Isaias Regains Hurricane Strength Just Before Reaching Carolinas

VIRGINIA — Isaias, the storm making its way north up the eastern coast of the United States, regained hurricane strength Monday evening with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph. Strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely from the eastern Carolinas to the Mid-Atlantic Monday night through Tuesday.

The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm warning for most of Northern Virginia. Much of the Interstate 95 corridor, including Virginia and D.C., is forecast to experience heavy downpours and powerful winds from Isaias. Forecasters are calling for three to six inches of rain in Northern Virginia, with localized higher amounts possible.

A flash flood watch is in effect for the region from 11 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday. The heavy rainfall could cause small creeks and streams to become dangerous rivers and lead to downed trees and power outages.

“Heavy rainfall will result in flash and urban flooding, some of which may be significant in the eastern Carolinas and the mid-Atlantic, through midweek along and near the path of Isaias across the East Coast of the United States,” the National Hurricane Center said.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, Isaias was centered south of the South Carolina coast. The storm is tracking to the north-northeast and will continue moving north-northeastward, but its forward speed will likely increase into Tuesday.

On Friday, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency in advance of Isaias.

In Northern Virginia, the tropical storm warning is in effect for Arlington County, Falls Church, Fairfax County and Prince William County. The tropical storm warning is also in effect for Spotsylvania and Stafford counties.

Isaias is expected to drop extremely heavy rainfall over the region, with showers starting in the early evening hours. Downpours will increase in intensity late Monday night before widespread heavy rainfall on Tuesday. Areas east of I-95, especially those regions close to the Chesapeake Bay, could see tropical-storm-force wind gusts, topping 40 mph.

By late morning Tuesday, the worst part of Isaias is expected to be over Virginia from the Blue Ridge Mountains eastward.

The Virginia State Police said Monday night that it has all available troopers and supervisors working through the night and Tuesday as the storm makes its way across the state. The state police are advising residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving, when possible.

The Virginia Department of Transportation has prepared staff, equipment and materials to respond to flooding, downed trees and other hazardous travel conditions from Isaias. Tree contractors are on standby to assist VDOT with tree and debris removal.

In Alexandria, sandbags were available to residents Monday ahead of potential impacts from Isaias. The potential of flooding comes after Alexandria residents experienced flooding in homes and streets as a result of the July 23 thunderstorm.

The Virginia Beach Public Works department said it is prepared for the storm, including setting up shelters with enough room for social distancing because of the coronavirus. But the department said the shelters likely will not be necessary based on the current forecast.

The tidal Potomac River is under a tropical storm watch as tropical storm force winds are possible Tuesday morning to afternoon. Forecasters say strong winds can cause hazardous waves and could capsize or damage vessels.

The flash flood watch is for the entire region over a 24-hour period beginning at 11 p.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service.

Related:

• Fredericksburg Fire Department, VDOT Urge Caution During Isaias
• Isaias Impact In DC: Forecast, How To Prepare