It is shown that m-fold symmetric vortex waves in two dimensions ( V states) preserve their functional form in a weak straining flow having appropriate symmetry, but arbitrary time dependence. This phenomenon is used in driving the V states into a highly nonlinear excitation by subjecting a circular vortex patch to rotation and strain with oscillating strain rate and varying the rotation angular velocity. The effect is due to autoresonance in the system as the excited vortex state boundary self-adjusts its aspect ratio to synchronize with the external flow.