Hurricane in Virginia, September 1 to 5, 1999

Hurricane and Tropical Storm Dennis produced one of the most prolonged periods of tropical cyclone related conditions across eastern Virginia, from August 30th through September 5th. The highest sustained wind speed recorded was 52 mph at Langley Air Force Base (LFI). Other sustained wind speeds were 43 mph at the Norfolk International Airport (ORF), and 38 mph at Wallops Island. The highest gusts recorded were 76 mph at Langley Air Force Base, 53 mph at the Norfolk International Airport, and 46 mph at Wallops Island. A tornado rated an F2 occurred in association with Dennis and touched down in the city of Hampton. This tornado caused significant damage and numerous injuries. Otherwise, a few trees and power lines were blown down across the Hampton Roads area resulting in scattered power outages. The peak tidal departure at Sewells Point in Norfolk was around 3.0 feet above normal or 6.0 feet above MLLW. This resulted in moderate coastal flooding at the time of high tide. Rainfall amounts generally ranged from 2 to 5 inches across the Hampton Roads area and caused some street flooding. The lowest sea level pressure recorded was 1006.1 mb at the Norfolk International Airport.