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Heavy rains bring flooding to large swath of Central Virginia, Shenandoah Valley

Crystal Graham
wet road
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The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Greene, Madison, Orange, Page and Rockingham and the City of Charlottesville.

According to the warning, small stream flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected.

The warning is in effect until 5:30 p.m.

“Flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring. Streams continue to rise due to excess runoff from earlier rainfall.”

Doppler radar indicated heavy rain due to thunderstorms.

According the warning, flooding is already occurring in the warned area. To date, the alert states that between 2 and 4.5 inches of rain have already fallen.

The alert also warns “turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe.”

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.