Virginia Hurricane Tracker

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The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.

RainViewer shows storm tracks on one map for the Virginia coast and Chesapeake Bay.

The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.

Current hurricanes near Virginia

Virginia has an Atlantic coast and part of Chesapeake Bay, a large bay that reaches inland. Hampton Roads sits at the mouth of the bay. This list names each active tropical storm or hurricane near Virginia, with its category and status, and each storm links to its own tracker page.

No active tropical storm or hurricane is listed near Virginia.

Last updated:

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How RainViewer shows storms

The National Hurricane Center issues the official hurricane watches and warnings for Virginia. The Storm Tracks layer on the RainViewer map shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks. RainViewer does not replace official warnings.

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See Virginia storms in RainViewer

When is hurricane season in Virginia?

Hurricane season in Virginia runs from June 1 to November 30. Most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October, and September 10 is the climatological peak, according to the National Hurricane Center.

A hurricane starts as a cluster of thunderstorms over warm ocean water. Warm, moist air rises from the sea surface. The air pressure near the surface drops, and more air flows in. The rotation of the Earth makes this air spin, counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. Weak winds high in the atmosphere let the system organize. A system with a closed circulation is called a tropical depression. It becomes a tropical storm when its winds strengthen, and the National Hurricane Center gives it a name. It becomes a hurricane when its winds reach hurricane strength.

Sea temperatures around Virginia are highest in late summer. This is the time of the most storm activity. Early in the season, storms often form in the Gulf of Mexico. Later in the season, storms often arrive from the Atlantic Ocean after a long trip from West Africa. Storms reach Virginia from the south along the coast, or they move inland from North Carolina.

Hurricane categories, at a glance

  • Tropical Depression (<39 mph)

    Rain and gusty wind, no hurricane classification yet.

  • Tropical Storm (39-73 mph)

    Heavy rain, coastal flooding, downed branches.

  • Category 1 Hurricane (74-95 mph)

    Roof and siding damage, downed trees, power outages.

  • Category 2 Hurricane (96-110 mph)

    Major roof damage, trees snapped, extended power loss.

  • Category 3 Hurricane (111-129 mph)

    Structural damage to homes, water and power loss for days.

  • Category 4 Hurricane (130-156 mph)

    Severe structural damage, long-term power and water loss.

  • Category 5 Hurricane (157 mph or higher)

    Total roof failure and wall collapse, area uninhabitable for weeks.

FAQ

Where can I see current hurricanes near Virginia?

The hurricane tracker map on this RainViewer page shows current storm tracks near Virginia, and the list under the map names each active storm near Virginia. When no storm is active, the list says so and links to storms in other regions. Past storms near Virginia are listed further down the page.

When is hurricane season in Virginia, and which months are busiest?

Hurricane season in Virginia runs from June 1 to November 30, and most activity falls between mid-August and mid-October, according to the National Hurricane Center. September 10 is the climatological peak, the date when historical records show the most tropical storms and hurricanes. Storms reach Virginia from the south along the coast, or they move inland from North Carolina.

Which official source issues hurricane warnings for Virginia?

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) issues the official hurricane watches and warnings for Virginia, and publishes advisories for every active Atlantic storm. RainViewer shows storm tracks on a map and does not replace official warnings. The NHC is the source for official storm forecasts.

What does the forecast cone show on the Virginia map?

The forecast cone on the RainViewer map shows the probable track of the center of a storm during the forecast period. The cone does not show how far wind, rain, or storm surge reach from the center, so areas outside the cone can still have storm effects. The cone is part of the Storm Tracks layer, together with the current position, the past path, and the forecast path.

Where can I see rain radar for Virginia?

RainViewer shows rain radar for Virginia, and the Virginia weather radar page lists radar coverage and links to city radar pages. RainViewer updates radar every 5 minutes. Radar shows rain inside a storm. The Storm Tracks layer shows where the storm is moving.

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