Norfolk, Virginia Soaked by 6.31 Inches of Rain on Friday, Its 8th-Wettest Day Since 1871 and a Shattered November Record Without Any Hurricane
NORFOLK, VIRGINIA — Norfolk just recorded one of the wettest days in its history. On Friday, November 6, 2026, the city picked up 6.31 inches of rain, making it the 8th-wettest day since records began in 1871.
What makes it even more remarkable: every day wetter than this one happened between July and October, most of them during hurricanes.
Norfolk’s Top 8 Wettest Days on Record
| Rank | Date | Rainfall | Storm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 1, 2006 | 8.93 inches | Ernesto |
| 2 | Aug. 27, 2011 | 7.92 inches | Irene |
| 3 | Sept. 30, 2010 | 7.85 inches | |
| 4 | Oct. 8, 2016 | 7.44 inches | Matthew |
| 5 | Aug. 31, 1964 | 7.41 inches | Cleo |
| 6 | July 31, 2016 | 6.98 inches | |
| 7 | Sept. 28, 1959 | 6.48 inches | |
| 8 | Nov. 6, 2026 | 6.31 inches |
A New November Record by a Wide Margin
Friday’s rainfall smashed Norfolk’s previous November daily record of 5.02 inches, set on November 8, 1893. That means the new mark beat the old record by 1.29 inches, a record that had stood for 133 years.
| Detail | Amount |
|---|---|
| New November record | 6.31 inches on Nov. 6, 2026 |
| Old November record | 5.02 inches on Nov. 8, 1893 |
| Difference | 1.29 inches |
155 Years of Daily Rain Records
Norfolk’s daily rainfall records go back to 1871, giving the city 155 years of data. Out of all those days, only seven have ever produced more rain than this past Friday.
Every Wetter Day Came in Summer or Early Fall
The seven wetter days all fell between July and October, the heart of hurricane season. Several were linked to well-known storms:
- Ernesto in 2006
- Irene in 2011
- Matthew in 2016
- Cleo in 1964
Friday’s rain stands out because it came in November, without a hurricane.
What Caused Friday’s Heavy Rain
The record rainfall came as a strong cold front moved through the Mid-Atlantic, pulling in unusually deep moisture for November. Forecasters had warned that training storms, storms repeatedly moving over the same areas, could cause flash flooding from central North Carolina to coastal New Jersey.
Flooding Impacts Across Hampton Roads
Rain that heavy can quickly overwhelm drainage in Hampton Roads, leading to:
- Flooded streets and neighborhoods
- Stalled vehicles in low-lying areas
- Slow commutes and road closures
- Water in homes and businesses in vulnerable spots
A Sign of an Active Pattern
Norfolk’s record day adds to a week of extreme rainfall across the eastern U.S., including flash flood emergencies in Mississippi, Florida and Georgia. Forecasters say a strong El Niño may be helping fuel an active storm pattern this season.
Tips After Heavy Flooding
- Avoid driving through standing water
- Check basements and crawl spaces for water
- Report blocked storm drains to the city
- Document damage for insurance claims
Stay with Bchssreport.com for the latest updates on this story.
About The Author
