The National Weather Service’s Wakefield office issued a flood watch alert for portions of Virginia, including Petersburg, on the morning of May 13, a day after issuing a hazardous weather alert warning of potentially excessive rainfall this week throughout Virginia.
The flood watch comes as a large atmospheric river — a long, narrow stretch of storm like a river in the sky — continues to hammer parts of the southeast with up to a foot of rain and sweep through the Mid-Atlantic as of May 14. Flood watches have been been issued across Washington, D.C., Virginia, western Maryland and parts of West Virginia, according to the NWS. Totals rainfall amounts of up to 3 inches are expected across the region.
“Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop,” the flood watch states. The flood watch is expected to last until 2 a.m. May 14.
“Excessive rainfall may cause flooding around the river, creeks, streams, and low-lying areas,” a news flash from the City of Petersburg announcing the local flood watch states. “The forecast is for 1-3 inches of rain, with higher amounts possible in intense storms.”
The city’s news flash adds that several roads in downtown Petersburg are currently closed due to high water, although “the closures change as heavy rain comes and goes,” city spokesperson Joanne Williams told The Progress-Index.
Roads closed in Petersburg due to flooding
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Joseph Jenkins Roberts Boulevard between Bollingbrook Street and Third Street
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Bank Street closed between Madison Street and Crater Road
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River Street between Cockade Alley and Third Street
In Petersburg — where sometimes severe flooding is common during heavy downpours — rainfall and potential thunderstorms are expected to continue throughout the week, according to the NWS.
The city’s news flash announcing the flood watch asks Petersburg residents to stay alert, not take unnecessary risks and stay updated on local alerts and road closures.
Stay updated on alerts and closures in Petersburg
You can sign up to receive emergency alerts, city announcements and road closure notifications from Petersburg through the city’s “Notify Me” alert center at petersburgva.gov/List.aspx.
Petersburg will post updates on weather and road condition developments on the city website at www.petersburg-va.org, Facebook at cityofpetersburgva and X at @petersburgV.
You may also follow the Petersburg Police app for updates: apps.myocv.com/share/a91123803.
To report any flooded areas or concerns, call your local police department’s non-emergency number. For Petersburg, that number is 804-732-4222.
Call 911 for all emergencies, including any emergencies where you must exit your home due to flooding.
Call Dominion for all power outages at 866-366-4357.
Virginia weather radar
Virginia severe weather watches and warnings
What is flash flooding?
Flash flooding usually begins within six hours, but often within three hours, of heavy rain or mass amounts of water accumulating in an area, according to the National Weather Service.
This type of flooding usually happens very quickly and catches people off guard. It can be caused by a number of things, but is often due to extremely heavy rainfall from thunderstorms.
“The intensity of the rainfall, the location and distribution of the rainfall, the land use and topography, vegetation types and growth/density, soil type, and soil water-content all determine just how quickly the flash flooding may occur, and influence where it may occur,” writes the National Weather Service.
Flood watch vs. flood warning: What is the difference?
A flood watch and a flood warning are two different things. Here’s the difference.
A flood watch indicates that the conditions are favorable to flooding in an area that is under a watch. These flood watches are usually issued hours and even days ahead of the weather event that could cause the flooding.
A flood warning means that the flooding that could be harmful and poses a serious threat to property and people is expected. This too can be issued hours and days ahead of time based on forecast predictions.
Anytime flooding is a risk people should use caution. Water levels can change rapidly during periods of heavy rainfall.
Residents are asked to take caution during heavy rain and flood situations:
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Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over, and two feet will float a car. NEVER drive around barricades, especially those with high water and road closed signs.
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Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, leave the car quickly and move to higher ground.
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Don’t walk along streams or riverbanks.
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Don’t allow children or pets to play in or near flood water. Downed power lines can cause electrocution, among other hazards.
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Avoid any contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with harmful chemicals and debris not visible from the surface.
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Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, etc., can rapidly fill with water.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg VA flooding closes roads as city prepares for more rain
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