Tropical Storm Warning, Life-Threatening Rip Currents Threaten VA

Life-threatening rip currents are expected to pound Virginia beaches on Wednesday, which are under a tropical storm watch as category 2-strength Hurricane Erin continues to move slowly north, according to the National Weather Service.

A tropical storm warning is in place for the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the James River with tropical storm force winds possible Thursday morning through Thursday evening.

The storm is also growing in size, The Weather Channel reports, causing coastal flooding and tropical winds to increase for the Outer Banks and the Virginia Tidewater.

"Erin is expected to produce life-threatening surf and rip currents along the beaches of much of the east coast of the U.S. during the next several days," according to the National Weather Service. "Beachgoers in those areas should follow advice from lifeguards, local authorities, and beach warning flags."

Tropical storm watches are in effect for coastal waters from Virginia Beach to Fenwick Island, Delaware, and include Ocean City, Maryland, The Washington Post reported. The winds will probably be strongest late Wednesday into Thursday.

The Weather Service said to expect peak waves of 8 to 12 feet for beaches in Maryland and Virginia, with wave heights peaking late Wednesday into Thursday.

Tropical storm conditions are possible on Thursday along the southeastern coast of Virginia, the NWS said. Expect the threat of tropical storm force wind gusts, heavy rain with isolated flash flooding, and a life-threatening storm surge of 2-4 feet.

A tropical storm warning is in effect for the waters of the Chesapeake Bay from Smith Point to Windmill Point and New Point Comfort, and the James River from James River Bridge to Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, the National Weather Service said. The region is likely to be hit with northeast winds of 39 to 57 mph and waves of 4 to 6 feet.

Hurricane Erin is absolutely huge. The cloud field is over 600 miles across from near Cape Hatteras to just NE of the Bahamas pic.twitter.com/fMAhF9FJoJ
— NWS Wakefield (@NWSWakefieldVA) August 20, 2025

The NWS issued a coastal flood warning from 5 p.m. on Wednesday through 2 a.m. on Saturday, with waters rising 1-2 feet above ground levels in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways.

"A coastal flood warning means that moderate or major tidal flooding is occurring or imminent, according to NWS. "Be prepared for rising water levels and take appropriate action to protect life and property. Follow the recommendations of local emergency management officials.

"Do not drive your vehicle through flood waters. The water may be deeper than you think it is. You will be putting yourself in danger and your vehicle may be damaged, leading to costly
repairs."

NWS Forecast For NoVa, D.C. Region

Patchy fog across Northern Virginia and the greater Washington, D.C. area is expected to dissipate before 9 a.m. on Wednesday, switching over to partly sunny skies and a high near 86, NWS says.

Wednesday evening is another story. Expect showers and thunderstorms before 2 a.m., switching over to a chance of showers until 5 a.m., the weather services says. Patchy fog will return between midnight and 1 a.m., but otherwise expect mostly cloudy skies with a low around 69.

The following is the National Weather Service's long-range forecast for the Baltimore-Washington region.

Thursday: A chance of showers after 8am. Patchy fog before 10am. Otherwise, mostly cloudy, with a high near 77. Northeast wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

Thursday Night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. North wind 8 to 11 mph.

Friday: Sunny, with a high near 82. North wind 6 to 8 mph.

Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 61.

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 84.

Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 66.

Sunday: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Sunday Night: Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 8pm, then a chance of showers between 8pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. Chance of precipitation is 60%.

Monday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 82.

Monday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 58.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 78.