Flooding in Virginia, September 6 to 10, 1996

The rapid runoff produced by the heavy rains from Fran caused substantial, damaging, and in some cases record river flooding across much of the northern Virginia watershed from late on the 6th until early on the 10th. Flash flooding on the 6th rapidly became river flooding late on the 6th along the headwaters of the Potomac, Shenandoah, and Rappahannock River basins, and continued throughout the basins over the weekend and into early the following week. Crests at gaging points in these basins were similar to those in January 1996 across the Lower Main Stem of the Potomac. Levels were 1 to 5 feet higher across the Upper Main Stem Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. The Shenandoah Basin had levels similar to the October 1942 flood with three points reaching record levels (Lynnwood, Cootes Store, and Strasburg).There were numerous road closures, rescues, evacuations, washed out and damaged bridges and culverts; the flood also produced major agricultural damage. Debris covered pasture and farmland, and filled small creeks and streams to levels higher than surrounding roads, which redirected the natural stream flow. River sand and mud covered streets and multiple levels of homes and businesses. Debris slides (landslides) were also noted in portions of the Upper Potomac river Basin. There were several electric and phone outages. Three deaths occurred in the northern half of Virginia - due to flash flooding (not river flooding).Refer to the narrative on Flash Flooding for a more detailed breakdown of damage estimates.