Hurricane Dorian: When It Could Reach Virginia, DC

VIRGINIA — Hurricane Dorian packed 155 mph sustained winds as it crawled toward Florida on Monday and hinted at a northern course along the southeastern Atlantic coastline, which has Virginia officials watching the storm for signs it will bring strong winds and heavy rains to the state's coastal regions later this week.

The catastrophic storm made landfall Sunday morning in the Bahamas as a Category 5 storm with 185 mph winds, and gusts topping 220 mph. Forecasters said it could reach Georgia's coast around 8 a.m. Wednesday as a major hurricane with wind speeds over 110 miles per hour. From there, the predicted path of the storm spins north along the East Coast, reaching southern Virginia by late Thursday and northern Virginia and Maryland by midday Friday.

Of course, anything can happen in the coming days: hurricanes are known to unexpectedly veer to a new course, fizzle out, or strengthen. That's why leaders and forecasters along the Eastern Seaboard are urging residents to monitor weather forecasts and plan ahead in case the storm brings its wind and rains inland.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a Beach Hazards Statement and a high rip current risk alert, which is in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. The advisories include Maryland and Virginia beaches, and the Outer Banks Currituck. Breaking waves of 3 to 4 feet will result in rough surf conditions and a high risk of rip currents.

Tropical storm condition are possible in coastal Virginia on Thursday, the National Weather Service said.

The National Hurricane Center's graphics shows winds from the storm could affect parts of Virginia by late Wednesday:

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management reminded Commonwealth residents that hurricanes can affect much of the state. On Aug. 19, 1969, Hurricane Camille hit the state overnight and caused massive inland flooding and mudslides that killed 153 people. The storm remains Virginia's deadliest natural disaster 50 years later, the agency said.

Camille dropped 27 inches of rain — what is typically six months of precipitation — on Nelson County overnight. More than 100 bridges, roads, or railways were washed away or damaged; and more than 900 buildings and structures damaged or destroyed in Virginia.

"Camille reminds us that hurricanes are a statewide threat, not just a coastal concern, as the worst damage occurred hundreds of miles inland," the agency said.

Patch is tracking every move of Tropical Storm Dorian. Get all the updates on the storm by subscribing to Patch's free breaking news alerts and daily newsletters.

Here's the forecast:

Labor Day: A slight chance of showers, then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 6 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Monday Night: Scattered showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable in the evening. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. North wind around 5 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 70. Southeast wind around 6 mph.

Wednesday: A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 92. South wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Wednesday Night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 8pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday Night: A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Friday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 77. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Friday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Sunny, with a high near 82.

Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 63.

Sunday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 80.

Prepare Your Home

• Bring loose, lightweight objects such as patio furniture, garbage cans and bicycles inside.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe to bring inside (e.g., gas grills and propane tanks).
• Trim or remove damaged trees and limbs close enough to fall on structures.
• Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
• Purchase a portable generator or install a whole-house generator for use during power outages.
• Keep alternative power sources, such as a portable generator, outside, at least 20 feet away from the house, and protected from moisture.
• Document the condition of your home prior to the storm.

How To Prepare

• Visit DCR.virginia.gov/vfris to learn the flood risk for your home and business.
• Contact an insurance agent or call the National Flood Insurance Program at 888.379.9531 or visit Floodsmart.gov purchase a flood insurance policy. Remember, it takes 30 days for a flood insurance policy to take effect, don’t wait till you see a storm coming to purchase a plan!
• Coastal Virginians should learn their evacuation zone now and make a plan to prepare their home and business at KnowYourZoneVA.org.
• All Virginians should store critical documentation in a safe place, documenting the condition of their property before damages occur with a camera or smartphone, purchasing emergency preparedness items to sustain your family for days or weeks after a disaster, and by making a family communication plan. Visit VAemergency.gov/hurricanes to learn more.

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Dorian Now Category 5, Threatens Georgia, Carolinas
• Evacuations Underway In FL As Hurricane Dorian Hammers Bahamas