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A smaller, weaker Isaias was downgraded to a tropical storm Saturday evening as it kept its position just off the east coast of Florida, but forecasters expect the storm to regain hurricane status overnight.
After moving through the Bahamas early Saturday, Isaias stayed just off Florida’s east coast for most of the day and was still there as of the National Hurricane Center’s 5 p.m. update. Sustained winds had decreased to 70 mph, resulting in the lowered tropical storm designation, but were expected to strengthen overnight. A hurricane warning remains in effect for portions of the Florida coast.
What the storm means for Hampton Roads depends a lot on what happens this weekend, National Weather Service Wakefield meteorologist Jeff Orrock said. If Isaias veers more inland as it passes through Florida, that could weaken the storm even more. If the storm’s path stays over water, it will be stronger.
“The question is just strength,” Orrock said. “When and how bad is it going to be?”
In Virginia, where Gov. Ralph Northam declared a state of emergency Friday evening, tropical storm conditions are forecast to begin as early as Monday evening.
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It’s a small storm right now, but residents should still expect a lot of rain and wind, Orrock said.
Between 2 and 5 inches of rain is expected locally, based on the storm’s current track, and the chance of sustained winds above 50 knots is increasing, with the biggest winds expected in and around the Chesapeake Bay. Minor river flooding is possible, particularly Tuesday morning.
The storm could also bring tornadoes to the area Monday night into Tuesday, and there’s an increased risk of rip currents starting Sunday.
Dare County officials issued a mandatory evacuation order Saturday for parts of the county. Visitors to Hatteras Island were to evacuate by midday Saturday while residents and property owners have until 6 a.m. Sunday.
The evacuation orders were accompanied by the declaration of a local state of emergency that bans ocean swimming due to potential rip currents. They follow similar evacuation orders made Friday by the Hyde County Board of Commissioners now in effect for visitors and residents to Ocracoke.
Hampton Roads residents should begin preparing this weekend. A Virginia hurricane evacuation guide can be found here. You can find your zone by typing in your address on the emergency department’s website. If someone does not have internet access, they can contact their local emergency managers or call 211.
Sara Gregory, 757-469-7484, sara.gregory@pilotonline.com