Tropical Storm Ophelia Weakens to Tropical Depression as It Moves Across Southeastern Virginia
Tropical Storm Ophelia has weakened to a tropical depression as it continues to move across southeastern Virginia. As a result, all tropical storm warnings and storm surge warnings have been canceled. The center of what remains of Ophelia is currently churning across the region.
According to meteorologists, the winds will continue to diminish, and any remaining heavy rain will become more scattered. However, minor coastal flood impacts are expected to persist along the coast from Virginia to southern New Jersey. As a result, Coastal Flood Alerts remain in effect.
While Ophelia continues to move through southeastern Virginia, there is still a persistent heavy rain threat and a flash flood threat. Flash Flood Warnings are currently in effect for Richmond and surrounding areas.
Although Ophelia’s weakening trend persists, it is still bringing widespread heavy rain and gusty winds to a large portion of the East Coast. Currently, the maximum sustained winds have decreased to 35 mph.
Ophelia’s weakening is expected to continue overnight, and it will likely become a post-tropical system on Sunday as it falls apart over the Northeast. The remnants of the storm will take time to clear out, resulting in lingering clouds and rainy weather for much of the region.
Earlier, Ophelia made landfall in Emerald Isle, North Carolina, with winds of 70 mph. This triggered a flash flood warning for the surrounding area. At present, tropical storm warnings remain in effect in four states from North Carolina to Maryland. Flood watches have also been issued for portions of eastern North Carolina and southeastern Virginia, including Richmond. Additionally, coastal flood warnings stretch along the coast into Delaware and southern New Jersey, including Atlantic City.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Friday in anticipation of the storm, mobilizing resources. He stated that impacts to the commonwealth were “likely.”
Cities under the tropical storm warning include Nags Head, North Carolina; Norfolk, Virginia; and Ocean City, Maryland. Storm surge warnings have been issued for parts of the North Carolina and southeastern Virginia coasts.
The highest storm surge is expected in North Carolina, with water levels potentially rising up to 5 feet. Storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is also possible along the Jersey Shore.
Over the next 24 hours, Ophelia is forecast to bring areas of heavy rain and possible flash flooding from North Carolina to the Northeast.
Meteorologists predict additional rainfall amounts of 1-2 inches along a large portion of the East Coast, with locally up to 4 inches possible. This heavy rain could potentially cause flash flooding in urban areas along the Interstate 95 corridor, including Washington D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and southern New England.