What to expect as Tropical Storm Debby passes through Virginia
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Tropical Storm Debby's forecasted path. Photo: National Hurricane Center
Nearly all of Virginia and D.C. are under a tornado watch until 7am Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
The big picture: Residents could see half-inch-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph as Tropical Storm Debby moves closer and its potential impact becomes clearer.
- Caroline and Hanover counties are under a tornado warning, which means a tornado has been spotted or could be coming soon, until 7:30pm Thursday.
- The NWS recommends seeking shelter — away from windows, doors and outside walls — if you're within its path.
- A flash flood warning is in place until 9pm for the Richmond area, including Highland Springs, Mechanicsville, Short Pump and Meadowbrook, per the NWS.
Catch up quick: Central and eastern Virginia had a series of tornado warnings Thursday.
- At around 1:53pm Thursday, the NWS briefly issued one for Greensville, Sussex and Dinwiddie counties, all of which are within an hour of Richmond.
Zoom in: For anyone planning a Virginia Beach weekend trip, you might want to reconsider.
- The coast could have 7-to-10-foot waves, and Virginia Beach is forecast to have dangerous rip currents, per an NWS briefing on Wednesday.
- You can check surf conditions here, just in case.
Plus, people on the coast could face 35-45 mph gusts on Thursday and Friday nights.
- The Richmond area could have up to 29 mph winds on Friday.
Threat level: Flash flooding risks have prompted a flood watch, in effect through Friday night, for the Richmond area and Hampton Roads.
- Residents might see rain rates as high as 1-2 inches per hour.
- Parts of western Virginia could have up to 10 inches of rain, with the heaviest rainfall happening from Thursday afternoon into Friday morning.
Flashback: On Tuesday, Youngkin declared a state of emergency ahead of Debby's arrival. This activates the state's price gouging protections.
If you're driving: AAA is warning people not to drive through flooded roads, no matter how shallow the water might seem.
- Drivers can lose control in as little as six inches, and the water can be hiding downed power lines, potholes or a washed-out roadway, per AAA.
- To reduce the chances of hydroplaning, slow down and avoid braking hard or turning quickly.
- If the storm worsens while on the highway, take the nearest exit instead of stopping on the side of the road.
Go deeper: Tropical Storm Debby will bring multiple rainy days and flooding potential to Virginia.