Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds Expected as Storms Move Toward Eastern Shore

The National Weather Service in Wakefield says the Eastern Shore could see several rounds of strong thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and gusty winds through Wednesday night.

Forecasters say strong to severe thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening, with additional storms possible into Wednesday. The main threat will be damaging winds, although an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out, especially in areas north and northeast of the region.

The storms are developing in a warm and humid air mass, with high moisture levels capable of producing torrential rainfall. While storms are expected to move quickly, the Weather Service says areas that receive repeated rounds of rain could experience localized flash flooding, especially in poor drainage and low-lying areas. As of now, the NWS is predicting between 3 to 6 inches of total rainfall for the Shore over the next three days.

The rainfall comes as Accomack and Northampton counties continue to deal with drought conditions. While widespread rain would be beneficial for crops, lawns, and dry soils, forecasters caution that heavy rain falling too quickly may run off rather than fully soak into the ground. The Weather Service says rainfall totals through Thursday could generally range from 2 to 5 inches across much of the region from eastern Virginia into southeast Maryland and northeast North Carolina.

That amount of rainfall could provide meaningful drought relief on the Eastern Shore, particularly for corn, soybeans, hayfields, gardens, and other vegetation stressed by weeks of dry weather. However, localized flooding may become a concern if storms repeatedly move over the same locations.

Winds will also be a factor. Outside of thunderstorms, southwest winds could become gusty today, reaching 20 to 25 knots. Stronger gusts are possible in thunderstorms.

Marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate. Small Craft Advisories have been issued for much of the local marine area from late today into Wednesday. Winds over the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters could reach 20 to 25 knots, with gusts of 30 to 34 knots. Seas are expected to build to 4 to 6 feet nearshore, with higher seas offshore.

The Weather Service says the severe weather risk will continue into Wednesday, with the threat shifting farther south and east as a cold front moves through the region. Heavy rain and scattered flash flooding will remain possible Wednesday into Wednesday night.

Drier air is expected to begin moving back into the area Thursday and Friday, although some showers and thunderstorms may linger, especially across southern and southeastern portions of the region.