Heavy Rain, Strong Storms Bring Flooding Concerns, Power Outages to Accomack County; Flood Watch in Effect

A line of strong thunderstorms moved across the northern and central Eastern Shore overnight, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, flooding concerns and scattered power outages to Accomack County.

The storms moved through around 2:30 a.m., with power outages reported mainly in the Onancock and Cashville areas. Approximately 500 customers were affected. A&N Electric Cooperative crews responded and were working to restore service.

According to the Rain Total app, rainfall totals over the past 24 hours ranged from 5 to 6 inches across northern Accomack County, from the Maryland line south to the Melfa area. The National Weather Service in Wakefield also reported that a swath of 2 to more than 4 inches of rain had fallen from the southern Maryland Eastern Shore into the Virginia Eastern Shore.

Northampton County largely missed the heaviest rainfall. Exmore received about 2 inches, while Eastville and areas farther south received less than a half inch, according to the Rain Total app.

The National Weather Service said showers and storms were continuing early Wednesday from the Middle Peninsula to the Virginia and Maryland Eastern Shore, with flash flooding likely to continue over portions of the Shore this morning. A Flood Warning was issued for Accomack County overnight, and drivers are urged to watch for flooded roads, especially in low-lying and poor-drainage areas.

Forecasters say the threat is not over. A slow-moving cold front is expected to bring additional showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and into Thursday. The Weather Service said torrential rainfall could produce scattered to numerous instances of flash flooding, especially where storms repeatedly move over the same areas.

Strong to severe storms are also possible, with damaging wind gusts the primary threat. An isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.

The rainfall comes as Accomack and Northampton counties continue to deal with drought conditions. The heavy rain should provide meaningful relief for fields, gardens, lawns and dry soils, especially in northern and central Accomack County. However, forecasters caution that heavy rainfall in a short period of time can run off quickly and cause flooding before fully soaking into the ground.

Marine conditions are also hazardous. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for local waters, with gusty southwest winds, strong thunderstorms, reduced visibility in heavy rain and elevated seas expected through the day.

Residents should continue to monitor updated National Weather Service alerts, avoid flooded roadways and use caution during any additional storms.