Flood watch in effect today and tonight across Va; tornado watch posted for Hampton Roads, Southside
WEATHER
UPDATED: Flood watch in effect today and tonight across Va.; tornado watch posted for Hampton Roads and Southside Va.
By JOHN BOYER Richmond Times-Dispatch
2:30 p.m. update:
Plan to drive with caution and allow extra time for the afternoon commute.
Streams and low-lying roads could start to flood in Richmond, northern Chesterfield and Henrico this afternoon. At 2:18 p.m., the National Weather Service in Wakefield issued a flood advisory for much of the Richmond metro area until 5:15 p.m. While less urgent than a flash flood warning, the advisory is a sign that the rain is starting to get excessive.
So far today, 0.5 to 1 inch of rain has already fallen in the area. An additional 1 to 2 inches is expected.
Flooding has already been a significant issue for southwestern Virginia today, where numerous roads have been impacted by high water. The Bristol Herald Courier has more detailed coverage and photos.
Flash flooding has also been reported on roads near Danville and South Boston, according to the NWS office in Blacksburg.
12:45 p.m. update:
A tornado watch is now in effect until 7 p.m. for far southern and southeastern portions of Virginia. This includes Emporia, South Hill, Lawrenceville, Surry, Williamsburg, Wakefield, Franklin and all of Hampton Roads.
{snip}