NORFOLK, Va. — Cities and counties from the Eastern Shore all the way south through Dare County are taking action to prepare for what could prove to be a nasty nor'easter that's forming off the coast in the Atlantic.
The storm is coming together as the remnants of post-tropical storm Ian combine with a cold front, and Hampton Roads could face significant tidal flooding Monday afternoon and evening because of it.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in effect for the region until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Many school divisions have cancelled classes on Monday, city buildings are closing and state of emergencies have been declared.
Follow along below for the latest updates from our 13News Now reporters and meteorologists on how the region is dealing with the flooding event today.
8:50 p.m. - Portsmouth cancels declaration of local emergency
The City of Portsmouth canceled its declaration of local emergency and deactivated its emergency operations center Monday night.
7:04 p.m. - Gloucester schools announce Tuesday delay
In a tweet, Gloucester County Public Schools announced a one-hour delay for all students and staff Tuesday morning.
6:45 p.m. - Norfolk schools announce Tuesday delay
Norfolk Public Schools will operate on a two-hour delay Tuesday morning, due to an abundance of caution over storm damage and continuing flooding issues across the city.
5:22 p.m. - Norfolk cancels local state of emergency
Norfolk's local state of emergency will expire on Tuesday at 8 a.m., according to a city news release. That means all city offices, recreation centers and libraries will resume normal operations. Some parking garages remain open to the public through Wednesday morning, and the city's waste management will collect any yard waste from the recent severe weather on normal collection days.
Read the full story: Norfolk's local state of emergency set to expire Tuesday morning
5 p.m. - Chincoteague cancels evacuation
Just before 5 p.m. Tuesday, the Emergency Management Coordinator for Chincoteague sent out an update about the nor'easter's impacts on the town.
Because the National Weather Service reduced the forecasted flood levels, the voluntary evacuation has been canceled, and people are welcome to go back to their homes.
4:30 p.m. - Portion of NC12 closed in the Outer Banks
According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, NC12 is closed between Oregon Inlet and Rodanthe Roundabout due to winds and high tides.
4 p.m. - High tide approaches in Hampton
Water levels are creeping up in the Harris Creek area of Hampton. This road leads to the Back River.
3:50 p.m. - Water levels rise in Virginia Beach neighborhood
Alex Littlehales, out in the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood, said many people living there now have water covering both their front and back yards.
2:20 p.m. - Harris Creek water rises in Hampton
The Harris Creek area of Hampton is seeing water start to rise, but residents who live there say they're ready for whatever comes. A pole on the street has a silver plaque on it, with a high water level from 1962 marked. The owner of the home says the water often gets that high.
2:10 p.m. - Virginia Beach coastal flooding
Reporter Alex Littlehales is out in the Cape Story by the Sea neighborhood in Virginia Beach. He said the knee-high point for flood water has moved at least a football field more inland in the last two hours.
1:44 p.m. - Rough surf, gusty winds in OBX
Reporter Dana Smith is in the Outer Banks, where Emergency Management says they are preparing for moderate to major flooding from the ocean and mild to moderate flooding from the sound. They're asking residents to avoid being in or near the water.
1:40 p.m. - Williamsburg National Night Out canceled
A spokesperson for the city of Williamsburg said the event location is no longer suitable due to the amount of rain that has fallen there.
The spokesperson made sure to acknowledge all the hard work that went into planning the event, and said they're looking forward to 2023.
1:40 p.m. - Rough surf at Buckroe Beach
Reporter Allison Bazzle is in Hampton, checking on tidal conditions there. At Buckroe Beach, she saw rough surf approaching a line of raised homes.
1:15 p.m. - Outer Banks prepares for flooding
It's windy in the Outer Banks early Monday afternoon, but it’s not raining and there's little to no flooding. The ocean surf is quite high and much of the beach is covered by waves. The sound looks fine, but high tide is apparent.
Dare County Emergency Management Director Drew Pearson said they’re expecting “mild to moderate” sound-side flooding and “moderate to major” ocean-side flooding. He said homes/cars on the ocean side are vulnerable, especially where dunes have worn down. He's warning everyone to stay off the beach and not get in the water.
1 p.m. - Hampton crews clearing drainage systems
City of Hampton spokeswoman Robin McCormick says public works crews are out and about making sure drainage systems stay clear. They are picking up trash today but they do NOT want Tuesday's customers to put trash out. They want to keep the roadways clear so no storm drains are blocked.
Crews will be out 24/7 as needed.
12 p.m. - Flooding forecasts trend lower
There will be coastal flooding with the tides, but the tide forecasts are continuing to lower from what was expected on Sunday.
Yesterday it looked like we were going to reach about 7.1 feet today, but that dropped Monday morning to about 6.7 feet then again mid morning to 6.55 feet, and now meteorologists are predicting the tide will be about 6.2 or 6.3 feet.
For Sewells Point and Yorktown, we're now expecting moderate tidal flooding for the next couple of high tides and eventually minor tidal flooding Tuesday afternoon.
Hampton Roads should see its highest water in the late afternoon Monday, around 4, 5 and 6 p.m. Moderate tidal flooding is now what we expect for most places, but major tidal flooding is possible in some areas, like around the Lynnhaven and Little Creek inlets, where there are north facing openings to the Chesapeake Bay.
10:30 a.m. - Hampton opens shelter for residents, pets
At 10:30 am, city officials opened a shelter at George P Phenix School on Big Bethel Road that will stay open until flooding is no longer a concern.
Anyone in the city can come, including pets, though, owners are encouraged to bring cages/crates and food for their animals.
The general population should bring air mattresses, pillows, blankets and games for kids. There will be food, but anyone with dietary restrictions is encouraged to bring their own.
10:10 a.m. - Norfolk reminds residents to check Waze for road updates
The city tweeted about its partnership with the navigation app, which can give you real-time updates on the roads you need to travel on before you head out. They also reminded the public NOT to drive through flooded streets.
