RICHMOND -- Gov. Tim Kaine declared a state of emergency Wednesday as unrelenting rain from the remnants of a tropical storm soaked the state.

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.

-- Associated Press