Virginia Beach, September 26, 2025
News Summary
A powerful coastal storm has brought heavy rain to Virginia Beach, with totals exceeding 8 inches since Monday. Flooding concerns are mounting as rainfall continues, with areas expecting 2 to 5 inches. Winds have reached tropical-storm-force, causing seawater flooding and road closures. The storm’s impact extends to neighboring states like Maryland and North Carolina, where homes have collapsed and power outages are reported. A flash flood threat remains in effect as conditions are predicted to improve later in the week.
Virginia Beach, Virginia — A powerful coastal storm has moved mostly onshore over Virginia, bringing ongoing heavy rain that is expected to continue throughout Wednesday. Most areas in Virginia are expecting to receive between 2 to 3 inches of rain, while some localized pockets could see rainfall totals of 3 to 5 inches or more, leading to mounting flooding concerns.
Virginia Beach has already recorded over 8 inches of rain since Monday, exacerbating existing flooding conditions in the area. The storm has produced tropical-storm-force winds, with a peak gust of 63 mph noted on Third Island, Virginia, causing significant issues with seawater flooding that made several local roads impassable.
According to the FOX Forecast Center, further heavy rain is anticipated through Wednesday morning, particularly for eastern Virginia. Other regions in parts of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and downstate New York are also expected to receive at least half an inch of rain from the storm.
While the storm is not classified as tropical, the strong winds have intensified the flooding impacts, particularly along the coast. The Lynnhaven River at the Inlet reached a significant flood stage of just over 6 feet, and flooding has been reported in low-lying areas of Norfolk, Virginia, including the Monticello Avenue underpass.
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat for parts of northeastern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. Coastal Flood Watches are in effect for parts of Delaware and New Jersey through Wednesday evening. Additionally, rip current threats and large surf continue to pose risks at beaches along the mid-Atlantic and New York coasts.
The storm’s impact was also felt in North Carolina, particularly in the Outer Banks, where high winds and coastal flooding began on Monday and continued into Tuesday. An unoccupied home in Buxton, NC, has collapsed, marking the 12th home collapse in the Cape Hatteras National Seashore in the past five years. Wind gusts of up to 60 mph were reported near Jeanettes Pier, leading to power outages across the region.
Waves exceeding 12 feet were recorded on buoys off Nags Head, NC, prompting Cape Hatteras schools to experience a two-hour delay. Ferry services between Hatteras and Ocracoke resumed mid-morning Tuesday as conditions began to improve. Portions of State Highway 12 on the north end of Ocracoke Island reopened following the worst of the storm.
Due to the severe weather, the Eastern Surfing Association Eastern Surfing Championship in Nags Head was postponed until Wednesday. Additionally, the North Carolina Department of Transportation temporarily closed the Basnight Bridge after part of a modular home was displaced by the wind, blocking the road.
Forecasts indicate that the rain and wind are expected to diminish across the region beginning Wednesday evening, with high pressure predicted to develop later in the week, providing some respite from the severe weather conditions.
FAQ
What areas are affected by the coastal storm?
The storm has mainly affected Virginia, particularly Virginia Beach, and also impacted parts of Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and downstate New York.
How much rain is expected?
Most areas in Virginia are forecasted to receive 2 to 3 inches of rain, with some localized pockets possibly seeing 3 to 5 inches or more.
What are the wind speeds associated with the storm?
Tropical-storm-force winds have been noted, with a peak gust of 63 mph recorded on Third Island, Virginia, and wind gusts of up to 60 mph were reported near Jeanettes Pier in North Carolina.
Are there any safety warnings in effect?
The NOAA Weather Prediction Center has issued a Level 1 out of 4 flash flood threat for parts of northeastern Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and southern New Jersey. Coastal Flood Watches are also in effect for parts of Delaware and New Jersey through Wednesday evening.
What are the current conditions in North Carolina?
North Carolina is experiencing high winds and coastal flooding, with reports of home collapses and power outages. Portions of State Highway 12 have reopened, and ferry services have resumed.
Key Features of the Storm
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Rainfall in Virginia | 2 to 3 inches expected, localized pockets 3 to 5 inches |
| Severe Winds | Peak gust of 63 mph on Third Island |
| Flood Threat | Flash flood threat Level 1 issued |
| Home Collapses in NC | 12 homes collapsed in Cape Hatteras National Seashore |
| Expected Improvement | Rain and wind to diminish by Wednesday evening |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Updated Beach Hazards and Coastal Flood Advisory in Northern Outer Banks
Tropical Disturbance May Develop into Depression This Week
Modular Home Blown Off Trailer in Outer Banks Incident
Coastal Storm Threatens Mid-Atlantic with Heavy Rain and Winds
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Brace for Hurricane Erin
Coastal Flood Advisory Issued for Northern Outer Banks and Hatteras Island as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Hurricane Erin Causes Devastating Flooding in Outer Banks
North Carolina’s Outer Banks Prepare for Hurricane Erin
Outer Banks Faces High Rip Current Risk as Hurricane Erin Approaches
Newport, North Carolina Faces Life-Threatening Rip Currents
Additional Resources
- 12 On Your Side: Tropical Threat Looming Along East Coast
- Fox Weather: Coastal Storm Affecting North Carolina and Virginia
- Washington Post: Storm Impacts in North Carolina and New Jersey
- Weather Channel: Coastal Storm Forecasted to Bring Heavy Rain and Wind
- Patch: Twin Storm Systems Threatening the U.S. East Coast
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
