The map shows Tropical Storm Arthur’s current position. (Photo courtesy National Hurricane Center)
Update 4:57 p.m.: In an update posted 5 p.m. Tuesday, the National Hurricane Center reported winds have climbed to a sustained 50 mph in the center of the storm.
The storm is projected to become a hurricane on Wednesday.
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is recommending citizens take steps to prepare for the storm.
“At this point, Arthur’s projected path looks as if it will bring impacts to Virginia,” VDEM state coordinator Jeff Stern said in a news release. “Everyone needs to pay attention and take necessary precautions, regardless of the July 4 holiday. Virginia state agencies are getting ready for the storm, and so should our residents and visitors.”
Stern recommended citizens and tourists pay attention to local media to make sure they stay safe when the storm hits. The news release said citizens should make plans ahead of time for evacuation and for pets.
—–
Original Post: The first named storm of the 2014 season could bring heavy rains to the Historic Triangle on Thursday and Friday.
Tropical Storm Arthur is currently over water off the eastern coast of Florida and is projected to ride the coast toward Virginia. The maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts, and the storm is forecast to strengthen in the next 48 hours, according to the National Hurricane Center.
A line of thunderstorms is projected to hit the area Wednesday, though it is independent of the storm. That line is projected to cause locally heavy rainfall, and the potential exists for damaging wind gusts.
Arthur could bring heavy rainfall to the area, according to the National Weather Service’s Wakefield Office. The severity of the storm for the Historic Triangle will depend on the track and intensity of the storm, which should become more evident as the week progresses.
The current forecast for Independence Day shows a chance of rain and thunderstorms with a high near 82.