Relentless rain hits Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency Wednesday as unrelenting rain from the remnants of a tropical storm soaked the state, while officials in North Carolina braced for another day of heavy rain.

Gov. Tim Kaine's declaration mobilizes state agencies to prepare for the threat of flooding over a wide swath of Virginia.

The National Weather Service forecasts 3 to 8 inches through Friday morning for parts of Virginia as the remains of Tropical Storm Ida, which was once a hurricane, crawl across the state. Old Dominion University in Norfolk canceled classes Thursday.

A coastal flood warning was posted for some areas thanks to a storm surge coinciding with high tide. A flood watch is out for central, eastern and southeastern areas farther inland.

Kaine's declaration urges Virginians in tidal flood plains and areas prone to flash flooding to be on alert.

Heavy rains were falling in North Carolina, Maryland and Delaware. In North Carolina, the eastern two-thirds of the state was braced for another day of significant rain. Gale warnings were out from North Carolina to New Jersey.