Hurricane Irma: Will It Reach Virginia?

ALEXANDRIA, VA—Weather forecasters are calling Hurricane Irma a Category 4 monster that could break records for destruction and mayhem when it passes through Florida this weekend. While the chances of the storm hitting Virginia are becoming less likely, it could have some impact on the area during the work week.

In an 8 a.m. Saturday update, forecasters projected Irma could take a path toward Florida's west coast and make landfall on Sunday morning. The hurricane has torn through Caribbean, leaving at least 20 people dead in its wake and packing maximum sustained winds of 130 mph. By 8 a.m., Irma was located about 225 miles south of Miami, moving west-northwest at 12 mph.

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With the hurricane's path appearing to hit Florida's west coast, it will be less likely that Virginia feels Irma's wrath. Impacts from the storm could come Monday night through Thursday, according to the National Weather Service's Baltimore-Washington branch. The most probable effects are heavy rain, especially from Tuesday to Wednesday, and minor tidal flooding in areas like Hampton Roads. The chances are slim for more severe impacts, which could include flooding rain, gusty winds along ridges and isolated tornadoes.

On Friday, Gov. Terry McAuliffe declared a state of emergency, joining orders from Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. Even though Virginia will not see devastation that is all but certain in Florida, the state is preparing as a precaution and will offer assistance to other states impacted by the storm.

Under the state of emergency, Virginia is positioning Virginia is National Guard and other resources where they're most needed during rescue and recovery efforts. Virginia's Emergency Operations Center is being staffed throughout the weekend in preparation for the storm and will run 24/7 when the storm hits.

Analysis: There's No Way Around Irma's Wrath For Florida

SEE ALSO:

• Hurricane Irma: 'Freight Train' Of A Storm Barrels Toward Florida, Georgia, Carolinas
• Hurricane Irma: Virginia Governor Declares State Of Emergency

McAuliffe encouraged Virginia residents via Twitter to "stay prepared, monitor weather, be safe, be smart." NWS encourages Virginia families and businesses to prepare disaster plans and emergency kits. And residents should be aware of hurricane evacuation routes and monitor the NWS tropical webpage as the storm nears for updates about the region. If you live in near a body of water, you can monitor flooding levels here.

Images via National Weather Service