PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — Portsmouth issued a local area emergency this evening for flash flooding due to heavy rain that has fallen, leading to flooded intersections and stalled vehicles in parts of the city.
The city has received upwards of two inches of rain in the past two hours, and water can be higher than expected, and significant flooding was reported in Hampton Roads and along parts of the Outer Banks of North Carolina Tuesday evening.
A severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Hertford, Bertie and Northampton counties in North Carolina through 11:15 p.m. Tuesday.
A traffic alert issued by the Town of Kill Devil Hills at 3:30 p.m. said there was flooding from rain water along several roads, with some areas reporting almost a foot of standing water. Officials said to use extreme caution when traveling through town, especially along NC 12 (Beach Road).
The Kitty Hawk Police Department reported high water in the area of US158 and W Kitty Hawk Road and US158 and First Flight Run Tuesday afternoon. They said officers are directing traffic due to “significant water” in the southbound lanes.
In a social media post issued just after 3 p.m., police advised motorists to drive slowly in these areas and to be prepared to stop.
If you come upon a flooded road, down not try to drive through the water. Turn around.
10 On Your Side captured images of vehicles making their way along flooded streets in Portsmouth.
Around 8:47 p.m., the City of Portsmouth issued an IPAWS public safety alert due to flash flooding in the area.
The Super Doppler 10 weather team forecasts another round of scattered showers and thunderstorms for parts of the WAVY viewing area during the afternoon and evening hours Tuesday.
Less rain is expected overall on Wednesday, but there is still a chance for a few scattered storms.
Click here for the latest detailed forecast.
Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.
