Hurricane Dorian: Cars Careen Onto Virginia Beach Boardwalk

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — Despite warnings from officials, there are always people who venture out during hurricane conditions. In Virginia Beach, that translated into driving on the boardwalk next to the oceanfront as several hurricane-related warnings were in effect Friday.

Virginia Beach Police reported several sightings of people driving on the boardwalk next to the beach. Surveillance photos appear to show several cars on the boardwalk either moving or stopped by police.

The city warns that driving on the boardwalk is "both dangerous and illegal." Police are out ticketing drivers who attempt to enter the boardwalk.

The city's beaches remain open, but swimming, surfing or wading is prohibited until further notice. Virginia Beach is under a flash flood warning Friday along with Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth. The Virginia coast is under a tropical storm warning, and Hampton Roads has a storm surge warning.

Sandbridge, an area under mandatory evacuation, had a 64 mph wind gust reading, according to the National Weather Service in Wakefield. Photos show flooding starting to occur in Sandbridge. According to the NWS, the greatest concern for tidal flooding is during the high tide cycle Friday afternoon and night.

Virginia Beach officials urged to stay inside and avoid traveling on roads when possible. The Virginia Beach Fire Department tweeted before noon that downed trees and power lines are affecting the roads. The city is experiencing the highest number of power outages in the state from Dorian, according to PowerOutage.us. As of 1 p.m. Friday, over 28,000 customers were without power. To report outages to Dominion Energy, call 866-366-4357.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian Virginia: 48K Power Outages, Flash Flood Warning
• Hurricane Dorian's Friday Path Takes It Through NC, Toward MA