Flash Flooding in Virginia, November 7, 1997

Slowly developing low pressure off the southeast U.S. coast generated a prolonged period of moderate to heavy rains over much of northern Virginia for most of the day. Rainfall averaging 2 to 4 inches, with localized totals between 4 and 6 inches, caused minor flooding of creeks and small streams. Dozens of secondary roads were closed in the area, most due to swollen creeks but others from high standing water. Nine school districts closed early, including the following: Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren, Clarke, Rappahannock, Culpeper, and Fauquier Cos. One good example of high water occurred in southeast Fauquier Co, where Town Creek was 1.5 feet out of its banks.Some areas had many more roads closed than others. Tops on the list were Culpeper Co with 25 closures; Frederick Co with 20, Shenandoah Co with 21, and Warren Co with 15. Only one major highway was reported closed; federal highway 211 near local route 658 in eastern Page Co. Though no deaths or injuries were noted, one automobile was washed away, and its four occupants rescued, after encountering high water along River Road in southern Stafford Co near Fredericksburg.Rain tapered off during the late afternoon, and streams and creeks receded quickly during the evening.