Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia has preemptively declared a state of emergency in readiness for the impending storm, named Ophelia.
As Tropical Storm Ophelia advances off the mid-Atlantic coast, North Carolina experiences an early deluge, with projections indicating that Virginia and Delaware will face intensified rainfall, powerful gusts, and potential storm surges, warns the National Weather Service.
Governor Glenn Youngkin of Virginia has preemptively declared a state of emergency in readiness for the impending storm, named Ophelia. While the tempest remains offshore as of Friday evening, emergency responders are mobilizing in strategic positions.
Anticipated impacts include towering surf, coastal inundation, and tropical storm-level winds along the Chesapeake Bay and the tidal reaches of the Potomac River.
Ophelia is the sixth tropical storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. The storm formed on Friday, and is expected to strengthen as it moves closer to the coast. Ophelia is expected to make landfall in North Carolina, and then move north along the East Coast.
The National Weather Service has issued tropical storm warnings and storm surge advisories, and in a late update on Friday, a hurricane watch has been instated for parts of eastern North Carolina. Air Force Reserve hurricane hunters reported a surge in Ophelia’s strength.
By Friday afternoon, Ophelia registered wind speeds of 70 miles per hour (113 kph), according to Air Force data. The storm is poised to make landfall on coastal regions, unleashing heavy rain and formidable winds throughout Saturday.
In addition to the perilous storm surges along the coastline, Ophelia has the potential to trigger widespread flooding from North Carolina to New Jersey, with impacts expected through Sunday, cautions the National Weather Service.
As Friday evening approached, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore also took the precautionary step of declaring a state of emergency. The combined efforts of emergency services and government officials underscore the seriousness with which the region is bracing for Ophelia’s arrival.
Residents in affected areas are urged to stay vigilant and follow safety directives issued by local authorities. Preparedness measures, including securing loose objects and heeding evacuation orders, are crucial in the face of this impending weather event.