Tropical Storm Watch Issued For Southeast Virginia Ahead Of Elsa

VIRGINIA — Tropical Storm Elsa is expected to lose some of its strength as it nears southeastern and central Virginia on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service. Rainfall, particularly for the Hampton Roads area, will heavily depend on the western extent of the storm’s track, which remains uncertain.

After making landfall in Florida Wednesday morning, Elsa, the fifth named storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, is now traveling northward toward southeastern Virginia.

Forecasters believe Elsa will weaken to a tropical depression as it reaches Hampton Roads and central Virginia. The storm could bring heavy rain, gusty winds, and the possibility of isolated tornadoes near southeastern Virginia.

The National Weather Service has posted a tropical storm watch from the Virginia Tidewater through Virginia’s Northern Neck. Heavy rain, gusty winds and isolated tornadoes will be possible as Elsa approaches the region on Thursday and Thursday night.

"The greatest impacts are anticipated across the eastern half of the area with lesser impacts further west," the NWS said.

The worst weather is expected to start Thursday afternoon in southeastern Virginia before reaching the Northern Neck.

In southeastern and central Virginia, the Hurricane Center projects 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally up to 5 inches, mostly occurring Thursday.

Heavy tropical rains can create flash flooding in low-lying areas such as lakes, rivers and creeks when water rises and starts ponding on roads, AAA warned Wednesday. "Most flood deaths happen in vehicles and AAA is reminding drivers to Turn Around, Don’t Drown when they come upon standing water on a roadway," the association said.

In D.C. and Northern Virginia, clouds are expected to move into the region starting early afternoon on Thursday. A period of rain is likely in the region, including some thunderstorms in the mid-afternoon and evening period on Thursday.

"It is uncertain how far west the effects from rain and wind will extend," The Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang reported Wednesday afternoon. "The Interstate 95 corridor from Washington and Baltimore could see a period of rain and breezy conditions Thursday evening and overnight, perhaps producing one to two inches of rain. Or Elsa may only skirt this area or miss it entirely."

The storm is expected to clear the region Friday morning as it moves into Delaware and heads north.

Elsa is the earliest-known fifth named storm on record for the Atlantic basin in the satellite era (1966-present), breaking the record formerly held by Edouard on July 6, 2020.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to Nov. 30. Forecasters are expecting above-normal hurricane activity this season. Peak hurricane activity is usually in August, September and October.

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