Flash Flooding Hits Portsmouth, Virginia
Portsmouth, Virginia was met with a sudden rush of rain on Tuesday evening, causing what the city officially dubbed a local area emergency due to flash flooding. The storm unleashed a staggering amount of rain, with reports indicating that some areas received upwards of two inches in just a couple of hours. This deluge left several streets under water and transformed usual commutes into tricky maneuvers through flooded intersections.
Impact Across the Region
It wasn’t just Portsmouth feeling the impact. The heavy rains caused flooding issues across the entire Hampton Roads area and even crept up towards the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Local officials let residents know just how serious things were getting, issuing a severe thunderstorm warning covering Hertford, Bertie, and Northampton counties in North Carolina, urging residents to stay alert until at least 11:15 p.m. Tuesday night.
Proactive Measures Taken
The Town of Kill Devil Hills took timely action too. By mid-afternoon, they had sent out a traffic alert notifying everyone about the hazardous conditions on the roads. Some locations in the town were reporting close to a foot of standing water, and officials advised citizens to exercise extreme caution when traveling through the area, particularly along NC 12 (Beach Road).
Safety First
In Kitty Hawk, the police department noted significant water accumulation, particularly at the intersections of US 158 and W Kitty Hawk Road, as well as US 158 and First Flight Run. Officers were deployed to direct traffic, ensuring that drivers were aware of the significant water issues in the southbound lanes. Their social media advisories emphasized that if motorists came face to face with flooded roads, they should turn around instead of trying to drive through – a wise reminder for all.
Scenes from Portsmouth
On the ground in Portsmouth, things looked just as concerning. A quick look around showed numerous vehicles navigating through flooded streets, showcasing the chaos that followed the storm. The city didn’t hesitate to respond; by shortly after 8:45 p.m., an IPAWS public safety alert was issued to keep residents informed about lingering flash flooding risks in the area.
What’s Next for the Weather?
Looking ahead, the Super Doppler 10 weather team indicated that there could be more scattered showers and thunderstorms on the horizon during the afternoon and evening hours of Tuesday. Thankfully, Wednesday was expected to bring less rainfall overall, but those scattered storm chances still loomed.
Staying Updated
As we navigate through this unpredictable weather season, it’s crucial to keep an eye on the updates coming from local weather services. Everyone is encouraged to stay informed and be prepared for sudden changes in weather conditions.
A Community Comes Together
In times like these, it’s amazing to see how communities come together. Neighbors tend to check on each other, sharing resources and information about safety and emergency services, reminding all of us about the importance of vigilance and care in the face of Mother Nature’s surprises.
Final Thoughts
Flash flooding can be a serious matter, but it’s also a reminder that we must stay prepared and look out for one another. Let’s hope the skies clear soon, allowing everyone the chance to return to their normal routines safely!
