Hurricane Dorian In Virginia: Latest Updates

VIRGINIA — Hurricane Dorian is moving northwest Wednesday with potential for the center to go over or near the Carolina coasts before bringing strong winds, rain and the likelihood of flooding to coastal Virginia on Friday. As forecasts continue to call for the hurricane to approach the Carolina coast Thursday into Friday, storm surge and tropical storm watches were upgraded to warnings for the Virginia coast.

"Confidence is high that we will see significant impacts from #Dorian across the region including life-threatening surge, heavy rain, and strong winds," the National Weather Service in Wakefield posted at 6:25 p.m. Wednesday. "All preparations need to be completed by Thursday afternoon, take this storm seriously."

The tropical storm warning is in effect from the border with North Carolina north to Chincoteague and the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point southward. A tropical storm watch means "tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within 36 hours," says the National Hurricane Center.

The storm surge warning covers the area from the northeastern Florida coast to Poquoson, Virginia and includes Hampton Roads. A storm surge warning means "there is a danger of life-threatening inundation, from rising water moving inland from the coastline, during the next 36 hours." The National Hurricane Center urges residents in these areas to take action to protect life and property and follow evacuation orders. There were no evacuation orders in Virginia Wednesday evening. Residents can check their evacuation zones and evacuation routes here.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian: Time To Prepare Virginia Homes, Families

Storm surge 2 to 4 feet above ground is possible from Hampton Roads into northeastern North Carolina. Large breaking waves may cause moderate to significant beach erosion and ocean overwash in these places. A risk for high rip currents will also continue through the week.

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a coastal flood watch for Northampton County in effect from Friday morning through late Saturday night. Up to two feet of water above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, the watch said, which could damage to homes and businesses near the waterfront and shoreline.

"Water will be 1 to 2 feet above ground level in some areas, resulting in a sufficient depth to close numerous roads and threaten homes and businesses," the NWS said. "Flooding will extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays resulting in some road closures and flooding of vehicles.

Rainfall of about 4 to 6 inches is expected in southeast Virginia along with 3 to 5 inches on the Eastern Shore. Heavy rainfall within a short time period could result in flash flooding Thursday night through Friday afternoon.

Aircraft and buoy data showed that the hurricane was growing in size, the National Hurricane Center said Tuesday. Hurricane force winds can extend up to 70 miles from the center and tropical storm force winds extend up to 195 miles from the center.

"Do not focus on the track alone," the National Weather Service out of Wakefield, Virginia, advised Wednesday morning. "Impacts will occur well outside the center."

Tropical storm force winds are possible, especially along the coast. The threat of 50 knot winds increased, especially along the southeast Virginia coast and northeast North Carolina. A lower probability of tropical storm force winds applies to parts of Northern Virginia.

"Interests elsewhere along the southeast and Mid-Atlantic coasts of the United States should continue to monitor the progress of Dorian, as additional watches or warnings may be required," the National Hurricane Center reported in its 11 a.m. Wednesday forecast.

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.

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Virginia officials joined other southeastern states in declaring a state of emergency. Gov. Ralph Northam declared the state of emergency due to anticipated hurricane impacts on southeastern Virginia. This area could potentially see coastal and inland flooding, storm surge, damaging winds and prolonged power outages.

"Hurricane Dorian is a serious storm, and current predictions indicate that it may affect parts of Virginia," said Northam in a statement. "I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure that localities and communities have the appropriate level of assistance, and to coordinate the Commonwealth’s response to any potential impacts from Hurricane Dorian."

Hurricane Dorian killed at least five people and inflicted destruction as it made landfall Sunday morning in the Bahamas. Dorian is expected to slowly weaken over the next several days but remain a powerful hurricane during this time.

Dorian is heading northwest at 8 mph with maximum sustained winds near 110 mph, moving parallel to Florida's east coast and Georgia's coast into Wednesday night. It is expected to turn to the north Wednesday night and turn to the northeast Thursday, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 p.m. Wednesday update. The center of the hurricane could move near or over the South Carolina and North Carolina coasts Thursday into Friday.

Eastern and coastal Virginia residents should continue to monitor weather forecasts and know their emergency preparedness plans. Others should monitor weather forecasts and plan ahead in case the storm brings its wind and rains inland.

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