Dangerous wind storm to strike Eastern Shore Today

The National Weather Service has upgraded its wind alert to a High Wind Warning for Virginia’s Eastern Shore counties of Accomack and Northampton, effective today, February 16, from 9 AM to 5 PM EST.

Meteorologists predict powerful southwest winds of 25 to 35 mph, with potentially damaging gusts reaching 50 to 60 mph across the region. These severe conditions are expected to cause widespread power outages as trees and power lines succumb to the intense winds.

“This is a significant weather event that requires immediate preparation,” warned local emergency management officials. They strongly advise residents to remain in the lower levels of their homes and stay away from windows during the peak of the storm.

The Virginia Department of Transportation anticipates hazardous driving conditions throughout the Eastern Shore, particularly on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and other exposed roadways. Officials strongly discourage travel by high-profile vehicles during the warning period.

Emergency management teams across both counties are preparing for potential power restoration efforts and urge residents to secure outdoor items that could become dangerous projectiles in high winds.

Residents can report power outages and downed power lines to their local utility companies and are reminded to treat all downed lines as energized and dangerous.

The warning is part of a larger weather system affecting multiple counties across Virginia’s coastal region and parts of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.