Alert archive / Virginia / Flash Flood Warnings in 2021

Flash Flood Warning 45, NWS Wakefield, VA

August 15, 2021Hanover County, Henrico County, City of Richmond, Virginia

NWS Wakefield, VA issued this flash flood warning at Aug 15, 2021, 5:13 PM EDT for Hanover County, Henrico County, City of Richmond, Virginia. It was in force for 5 hr. 1 report came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Aug 15, 2021, 5:13 PM EDT (21:13 UTC)
Expired
Aug 15, 2021, 10:15 PM EDT
In force
5 hr
Issued by
NWS Wakefield, VA
Area
Storm-based polygon
Damage threat
Considerable
Flood severity
None

Counties City of Richmond, VA, Hanover County, VA, Henrico County, VA

The radar

The Norfolk radar (KAKQ), 76 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 21:14 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Aug 15, 9:46 PM EDTFLASH FLOOD2 Wnw Richmond, VAREPORTS OF HIGH WATER ALONG WHITEHEAD RD.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Washington/Dulle, VA (KIAD), launched 12:00Z, 9.2 hours before the alert went out and 155 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-08-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Washington/Dulle, VA at 12:00Z on 2021-08-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity -13 square meters per square second.1939Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
1116 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
15 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
-13 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
58 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

401 
WGUS51 KAKQ 152113
FFWAKQ
VAC085-087-760-160015-
/O.NEW.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.210815T2113Z-210816T0015Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
513 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  South Central Hanover County in central Virginia...
  Central Henrico County in central Virginia...
  The City of Richmond in central Virginia...

* Until 815 PM EDT.

* At 513 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 3 inches of rain 
  have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are 
  possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring. 
  There have been a couple of reports of water rescues along the 
  4000 block of West Broad St.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms
           producing flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth 
  University, Downtown Richmond, Mechanicsville, Highland Springs, 
  University Of Richmond, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, East Highland Park, 
  Lakeside, Laurel, Glen Allen, Chamberlayne, Montrose, Solomons 
  Store, Greendale, Dumbarton, Richmond Heights and Fair Oaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law 
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National 
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3767 7731 3761 7728
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$
4 follow-up statements
312 
WGUS71 KAKQ 152205
FFSAKQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
605 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

VAC085-087-760-160015-
/O.CON.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-210816T0015Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Hanover VA-Henrico VA-City of Richmond VA-
605 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 815 PM EDT THIS 
EVENING FOR SOUTH CENTRAL HANOVER AND CENTRAL HENRICO COUNTIES AND 
THE CITY OF RICHMOND...

At 605 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms produced very 
heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain 
have fallen since 430 pm. Flash flooding is already occurring. The 
heavy rain has ended.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding due to thunderstorms.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
         urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth 
  University, Downtown Richmond, Mechanicsville, Highland Springs, 
  University Of Richmond, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, East Highland Park, 
  Lakeside, Laurel, Glen Allen, Chamberlayne, Montrose, Solomons 
  Store, Greendale, Dumbarton, Richmond Heights and Fair Oaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law 
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National 
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3767 7731 3761 7728
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$
769 
WGUS51 KAKQ 152330
FFWAKQ
VAC085-087-760-160115-
/O.EXT.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-210816T0115Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
730 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  South Central Hanover County in central Virginia...
  Central Henrico County in central Virginia...
  The City of Richmond in central Virginia...

* Until 915 PM EDT.

* At 730 PM EDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing 
  heavy rain approaching the city of Richmond and surrounding areas. 
  Between 2 and 4 inches of rain fell earlier this evening. 
  Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the 
  warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.

  HAZARD...Thunderstorms producing additional flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Radar.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth 
  University, Downtown Richmond, Mechanicsville, Highland Springs, 
  University Of Richmond, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, East Highland Park, 
  Lakeside, Laurel, Glen Allen, Chamberlayne, Montrose, Solomons 
  Store, Greendale, Dumbarton, Richmond Heights and Fair Oaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law 
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National 
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3767 7731 3761 7728
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$
867 
WGUS51 KAKQ 160108
FFWAKQ
VAC085-087-760-160215-
/O.EXT.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-210816T0215Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Flash Flood Warning
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
908 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

The National Weather Service in Wakefield has extended the

* Flash Flood Warning for...
  South Central Hanover County in central Virginia...
  Central Henrico County in central Virginia...
  The City of Richmond in central Virginia...

* Until 1015 PM EDT.

* At 908 PM EDT, Runoff from the heavy rain this evening will likely 
  continue to produce localized flash flooding. An average of 
  between 2 and 5 inches of rain has fallen this evening. Flash 
  flooding is already occurring. Additional rainfall is expected to 
  be less than 1/2 inch.

  HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding.

  SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

  IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
           urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Commonwealth 
  University, Downtown Richmond, Mechanicsville, Highland Springs, 
  University Of Richmond, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, East Highland Park, 
  Lakeside, Laurel, Glen Allen, Chamberlayne, Montrose, Solomons 
  Store, Greendale, Dumbarton, Richmond Heights and Fair Oaks.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding. Do not stay in areas subject to flooding when 
water begins rising.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law 
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National 
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3767 7731 3761 7728
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$
629 
WGUS71 KAKQ 160111
FFSAKQ

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service Wakefield VA
911 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

VAC085-160121-
/O.CAN.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-210816T0215Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Hanover VA-
911 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS CANCELLED FOR SOUTH CENTRAL HANOVER 
COUNTY...

Flooding is no longer expected to pose a threat. Please continue to 
heed remaining road closures.

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3765 7742 3763 7742
      3762 7740 3761 7741 3760 7740 3756 7730
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

$$

VAC087-760-160215-
/O.CON.KAKQ.FF.W.0045.000000T0000Z-210816T0215Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Henrico VA-City of Richmond VA-
911 PM EDT Sun Aug 15 2021

...FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1015 PM EDT THIS 
EVENING FOR CENTRAL HENRICO COUNTY AND THE CITY OF RICHMOND...

At 911 PM EDT, Runoff from the heavy rain this evening will likely 
continue to produce localized flash flooding. An average of between 
2 and 5 inches of rain has fallen this evening. Flash flooding is 
already occurring. Additional rainfall is expected to be less than 
1/2 inch.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding.

SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges.

IMPACT...Life threatening flash flooding of creeks and streams,
         urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

Some locations that will experience flash flooding include...
  Richmond, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Union 
  University, Downtown Richmond, University Of Richmond, Highland 
  Springs, Mechanicsville, Bon Air, Tuckahoe, East Highland Park, 
  Lakeside, Laurel, Glen Allen, Montrose, Chamberlayne, Greendale, 
  Dumbarton, Solomons Store, Richmond Heights and Roslyn Hills.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood 
deaths occur in vehicles.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the 
dangers of flooding. Do not stay in areas subject to flooding when 
water begins rising.

Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.

Please report observed flooding to local emergency services or law 
enforcement and request they pass this information to the National 
Weather Service when you can do so safely.

&&

LAT...LON 3759 7758 3763 7750 3765 7742 3763 7742
      3762 7740 3761 7741 3760 7740 3756 7730
      3753 7731 3746 7740 3747 7751 3751 7753
      3753 7753 3753 7754 3754 7756 3753 7757

FLASH FLOOD...RADAR INDICATED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CONSIDERABLE

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Wakefield, VA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Aug 14, 8:13 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQSouthampton, City of Franklin47 min
Aug 14, 8:32 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQGoochland43 min
Aug 14, 8:34 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ56 min
Aug 14, 9:17 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQAmelia, Cumberland, Goochland, Powhatan43 min
Aug 14, 10:01 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQHanover, King William119 min
Aug 14, 10:46 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningAKQHanover2 hr
Aug 14, 10:59 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQHanover, Henrico2 hr
Aug 15, 2:45 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCity of Chesapeake45 min
Aug 15, 3:20 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCity of Chesapeake, City of Suffolk40 min
Aug 15, 3:44 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningAKQ91 min
Aug 15, 4:41 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQKing William, City of Richmond64 min
Aug 15, 4:45 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQChesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, City of Richmond2 hr
Aug 15, 4:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQGreensville, City of Emporia42 min
Aug 15, 4:56 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningAKQChesterfield, Hanover, Henrico, City of Richmond3 hr
Aug 15, 5:38 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQBrunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, City of Emporia52 min
Aug 15, 5:52 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQGreensville, Sussex3 hr
Aug 15, 6:16 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQGloucester, James City, New Kent, City of Williamsburg59 min
Aug 15, 6:34 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQCharles City, James City, King and Queen, King William, New Kent3 hr
Aug 15, 6:50 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementAKQCharles City, Henrico, City of Colonial Heights, City of Hopewell, City of Petersburg55 min
Aug 15, 7:00 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQChesterfield, Dinwiddie3 hr
Aug 15, 7:20 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQCharles City, Chesterfield, Prince George, City of Colonial Heights, City of Hopewell26 min
Aug 15, 7:44 PM EDTFlash Flood WarningAKQCharles City, Chesterfield, Prince George, City of Colonial Heights, City of Hopewell3 hr
Aug 15, 7:54 PM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryAKQChesterfield11 min

Nearby

Flash Flood Warnings in Virginia, 2021Every flash flood warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.