As the region prepares for possible rain and wind from the remnants of Hurricane Helene, AFP will aim to keep you updated.
“Please use this time ahead of the additional rain forecasted for Friday, Sept. 27, to prepare for possible flooding,” said Patrick Lam, Augusta County Emergency Management Coordinator.
“Keep weather-aware by monitoring the local news and weather reports and signing up for CodeRED emergency alerts. Your first priority should be the safety of you and your family.”
National Weather Service, 2:12 p.m.
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch in effect on Friday from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The flood watch is for:
- Western Virginia: Augusta County, Eastern and Western Highland
- Central Virginia: Albemarle County
- Central Blue Ridge: Greene and Nelson counties
- Northwest Virginia: Madison Countt
- Northern Virginia: Blue Ridge and Rappahannock
The remnants of Hurricane Helene will impact the area early Friday morning through Friday evening. Heavy rainfall is likely along and just east of the Blue Ridge and across parts of the Central Shenandoah Valley and surrounding high terrain.
Rainfall amounts of one to three inches are expected with locally higher amounts possible.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.
Virginia State Police, 1:35 p.m.
As the Virginia State Police prepares for the Hurricane Helene, Virginians are also encouraged to get ready and plan ahead.
Forecasts are currently calling for regions of the Commonwealth to get multiple inches of rain.
Virginia State Police will have all available troopers and supervisors working in advance of and for the duration of the storm as it makes its way across the Commonwealth. Virginia State Police are also pre-positioning swift water rescue teams, drones and aviation resources to those areas most likely impacted by the storm.
To prevent unnecessary traffic crashes from occurring on Virginia’s highways during Helene, state police advise residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving, when possible.
VDOT, Virginia, 1:32 p.m.
The Virginia Department of Transportation is prepared to address any potential weather impacts of Hurricane Helene expected to begin impacting the Commonwealth tonight.
Impacts from the storm are expected to be felt across the Commonwealth, particularly in Southwest and parts of Central Virginia. It may bring heavy rain and strong winds beginning this evening and lasting into Friday.
Localized flooding is probable due to recent precipitation, and wind gusts may result in downed trees and powerlines and scattered power outages.
VDOT crews stand ready to respond to road hazards and any damage resulting from the storm.
Ahead of the storm, crews have been inspecting drainage facilities and clearing them where necessary, readying trucks and equipment and coordinating debris and tree removal crews to be on standby.
Shenandoah National Park, 1:04 p.m.
Shenandoah National Park reports it has received a considerable amount of rain in some areas resulting in localized flooding near the Whiteoak Canyon boundary access parking lot (Weakley Hollow Road). Visitors should avoid traveling to this area due to rising water levels almost cresting the bridge as of this morning.
Forecasts show more rain in the upcoming days. Closures may be implemented if conditions continue to worsen.
Visitors to Shenandoah National Park should use caution: expect slick conditions and debris-such as trees, limbs, and leaves on roads and trails.
VDOT, Staunton District, 11:58 a.m.
Drivers should anticipate flooding, flash flooding and flooded roads particularly in low-lying areas of the Shenandoah Valley as the remnants of Hurricane Helene pass through the region. Low visibility due to fog may be experienced in some areas.
Virginia Department of Transportation Staunton District crews will barricade and barrel off roads covered with water. Travelers are asked to not move or remove road barriers.
Drivers may also encounter downed trees or limbs in some areas. The ground is saturated from recent rains, making some trees vulnerable to high winds, flooding and other high impact weather events.
VDOT crews will monitor roads throughout the storm on Thursday and Friday. Roads affected by water and/or debris will be closed as needed.
Drivers are asked to check road conditions throughout the state prior to travel.
Blue Ridge Tunnel, 10:12 a.m.
Due to washout from last night’s storm and additional heavy rains over the next 24-48 hours, the Blue Ridge Tunnel trail will be closed until further notice.
Augusta County, 9:26 a.m.
Sand and bags available: Augusta County is making sand and sandbags available to county residents and businesses ahead of the excessive rainfall and potential flooding from Hurricane Helene. The sand and bags are available at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona and Wilson Volunteer Fire Company in Lyndhurst. Residents should bring their own shovel. Access is available 24/7.
CodeRED: Augusta County uses the emergency notification system CodeRED to keep local citizens informed in the event of an emergency or disaster. CodeRED alerts are free, and individuals must register in order to receive notifications. You can register for CodeRED at https://bit.ly/AugustaCodeRED
City of Waynesboro, 9:26 a.m.
Monitoring situation closely: Currently, there is not a river flood forecast from the National Weather Service, according to Gary Critzer, Director of the Department of Emergency Management and EMS for the City of Waynesboro. “We are monitoring it closely and will be prepared to respond as necessary should things change.”
Links
- VDOT Traffic alerts
- Planning resources
- Prepare an emergency kit
- Preparing your business, your family, and your property against hurricane threats
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management updates on X
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management updates on Facebook
- National Weather Service
- Flood safety tips from NWS
- What to do before a flood
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Crystal Graham
