Flooding in Virginia, January 19 to 22, 1996

***River Flooding***High dewpoint temperatures melted most of the snow on the ground within 12 hours. The snow pack had a liquid equivalent between 2 to 3 inches. Snowmelt, combined with 1 to 3 inches of rain (some locations received nearly 5 inches), caused the worst regional flooding in over 10 years. River flooding began during the flood/flash flood event along the headwaters of all basins and continued downstream through the 22nd. Crests ranged from 3 to 21 feet above flood stage.High water caused millions of dollars in damage, closed roads, destroyed homes and businesses, and forced the evacuation of several towns. Four people were rescued by the National Park Service and Fairfax County Fire Department at Great Falls (VAZ053) when they wandered onto the rocks to view the raging Potomac and became stranded. Several kayakers were also rescued while trying the sail the rough waters. Although low-water bridges remained closed, a vehicle carrying three teenagers and one adult dared the high waters of the Hazel River (VAZ051) -- and lost. All four perished as the automobile was swept downstream.Flood waters covered Union Street and the lower part of King Street along the river in Old Town Alexandria (VAZ053), and affected Washington National Airport, but not the runways. The city of Waynesboro (VAZ025) estimated $3 million in damage ($1 million to residential areas; $2 million to businesses). In Rockingham Co (VAZ025), $2.2 million in damage was attributed to the loss of inventory at Hartz Corporation, an apparel manufacturer. High water also caused $70 thousand in damage to Opequon Water Reclamation Facility in Frederick Co (VAZ028). Refer to Flood/Flash Flood events in this report for a more detailed breakdown of damage estimates.