Storms expected to strike state

Virginia residents are being reminded that hurricane season is not over yet, as two storms loom in the Atlantic.

The first is a classic Nor'easter developing off the coast of North Carolina.

The system packed tropical force winds as it hit North Carolina's Outer Banks and the Hampton Roads area.

The effects of the storm should be felt in the Northern Virginia region as heavy rain works its way into the area.

The storm will linger as it moves into the Northeast, bringing with it more rain and wind.

Prince William County public works officials said they will have crews on standby to see that storm water doesn't seep into sewer lines. They will also be on hand to clear pipes that may become clogged during the rainstorm.

Dominion Virginia Power is also monitoring the storm and its possible effects.

"Our employees are aware that the storm is out there and know it could impact our service area," said Dominion's Le-Ha Anderson.

She said while Dominion is watching the storm, the utility has not yet made any changes to its routine.

Flooding has been reported in the Hampton Roads area of the state, causing problems at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel, according to AccuWeather.

Thursday, the National Weather Service indicated the storm had a medium potential of becoming a named tropical or subtropical system. The designation would make it the 11th named storm in the Atlantic this year.

While that possibility still remains, odds are the storm brewing behind the Nor'easter has a better chance of causing bigger problems, according to forecasters.

It is a low-pressure system currently located in the Caribbean which has already caused flooding and mudslides in Puerto Rico.

That system is expected to gain strength and strike the Northeast states this weekend.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.