Over the banks

But Waynesboro sidesteps flood disaster  

Story, photos and video by Chris Graham
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Waynesboro dodged potential disastrous flooding associated with heavy rain that overswept the Shenandoah Valley Sunday and into Monday morning.

The river had been projected to crest at 1 p.m. Monday at 10.5 feet, a foot over the 9.5-foot flood stage, according to the Waynesboro Department of Emergency Management.

An update from the city at 1 p.m. reported that the river actually reached its highest point at 10 feet at 8:45 a.m. 

Emergency Management Director Gary Critzer, earlier Monday, had called a 10.5-foot crest “livable,” with minor flooding on roadways the biggest issue.

A crest at 11 or 11.5 feet would put residential neighborhoods and downtown businesses in the South River floodplain at risk for flood-related damage.

Photos and video shot in the 9 a.m. hour this morning show just how close the city was to experiencing damaging flooding.

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The South River at the Main Street Bridge

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Looking north toward the Main Street bridge.  

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The South River at the YMCA

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A view from the bridge at Lyndhurst Road and Wayne Avenue.  

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The South River at the Lyndhurst Road park

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The picnic shelter in the public park near the river at
Lyndhurst Road is submerged by floodwaters. 

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The South River at Meadowbrook Road

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A look across Meadowbrook Road from the entrance to
the Waynesboro Country Club.