Team Norfolk - Impending Wet Weather 5-22-17 @ 2pm

Ladies and Gentlemen, the following comes from our friends at the National Weather Service in Wakefield.  The graphic they provided is attached.

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“We are anticipating an extended period of wet weather starting today and continuing through at least Wednesday night. Low pressure organizing over Texas this morning will rapidly move northeast tonight, then cross the local area on Tuesday. Moderate to occasionally heavy rain will accompany this low as it moves through on Tuesday, starting first across the Piedmont during the pre-dawn hours, then spreading east to the Eastern Shore by afternoon. There will be a reprieve from the wet weather Tuesday night through at least midday Wednesday before another round of showers and thunderstorms impacts the area late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.

Rainfall totals through Wednesday night will range from 1-3" with locally higher amounts possible. Again, most of this rain occurs during the day on Tuesday.

Ponding of water on roadways as well as minor flooding of creeks, streams and other low-lying or poor drainage areas is expected. However, a lack of rainfall over the past week will preclude a widespread flooding threat. Rises on area rivers will occur as well.”

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The hourly graphs are also provided below validating the aforementioned forecast comments.  80% chance of rain throughout the evening equaling 1/2” between 3-8pm.  Another bout of rain expected tomorrow (Tuesday) between 8am-7pm with around 1 ¼”.  Rain possible throughout Wednesday and Thursday, but at this point, to no degree of concern.  High tide Wednesday evening is at 4.1’ (see tidal chart below), however, which will likely cause the usual flooding in the coastal areas.   Using the City’s TITAN program (open in Google Chrome), enter 3’ for the Flood Layer (NAVD88) for a glance of the location and amount of flooding expected.

Thanks and be safe!

Jim
Director, Norfolk EOC
james.redick@norfolk.gov