VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A flood warning was in effect for Virginia Beach until 8:15 p.m. on Thursday as heavy rain moved across the Southside.

Areas that experienced flooding included Virginia Beach, Kempsville, Regent University, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Princess Anne, London Bridge, Oceana NAS, Princess Anne Plaza, Oceana, Macons Corner, Gallups Corner, Rudee Heights, North Virginia Beach, Dam Neck, Bayside, Pungo, Sigma and Sandbridge Beach.

Updated rainfall totals show that some areas in Hampton Roads saw more than 7 inches of rain.

At about 4:30 p.m., thunderstorms with heavy rain were heading towards Isle of Wight County and parts of Southampton, Suffolk, and Franklin.

The City of Virginia Beach issued a traffic alert at about 3:20 p.m. due to flooding in the areas of General Booth near Strawbridge Shopping Center and Nimmo Parkway near Red Mill Shopping Centers. Residents and motorists are asked to avoid these areas and do not attempt to drive through standing water.

People living in the Red Mill and Dam Neck areas of Virginia Beach said they were taken by surprise Thursday afternoon.

“I thought it was just going to be like a little thunderstorm but it just wouldn’t stop. We got way too much rain, way too fast,” said Ben Reynolds.

As the storm rolled in, between two and five inches of heavy rain flooded the area of Dam Neck. The National Weather Service reported that at around 2:40 p.m., a rain gauge in the area had collected around 5 inches of rain in just two hours.

The downpour caused flooded roads, floating trash cans and stranded cars. 10 On Your Side spoke to a man who parked his car at a nearby shopping center and walked home after his wife had a close call.

“My wife drove out of here and said it was up to the door. We have a Ford Edge, it was up to the doors coming through the floor board,” said Steve Milton “I’ve never seen it flood like this in the 23 years I’ve been here — nothing like this.”

The rising water made some roads impassable. Residents said the scene was reminiscent of Hurricane Matthew.

“We actually parked down the road and waded through the water, that almost came up to my waist in some parts, to get to my house,” said Gary Horton. “This time it didn’t get that close but it was scary.”

(Video courtesy: 10 On Your Side viewer)

Torrential rain also broke out in Norfolk and Portsmouth before moving east into Virginia Beach. Three inches of rain had already fallen in Virginia Beach as of 2:35 p.m, with another inch or two possible.

Here are some photos sent in from viewers.

If it’s safe to do so, tag WAVY on Twitter with your flooding photos and videos, or email reportit@wavy.com.

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