Hurricane Florence made landfall on the far southeast North Carolina coast on September 14th and tracked very slowly across South Carolina before slowly re-curving across far western North Carolina and southwest Virginia as Tropical Depression and on into the Ohio Valley. Multiple incidents of strong winds, flash flooding and flooding occurred with Florence.
Every event with a place to put it; 7 filed by county or forecast zone are drawn at its center, in a lighter ring. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS RNK wrote it up.
Hurricane Florence made landfall on the far southeast North Carolina coast on September 14th and tracked very slowly across South Carolina before slowly re-curving across far western North Carolina and southwest Virginia as Tropical Depression and on into the Ohio Valley. Multiple incidents of strong winds, flash flooding and flooding occurred with Florence. The following counties were included in a subsequent Presidential Disaster Declaration: Botetourt, Franklin, Halifax, City of Martinsville, Patrick, and Pittsylvania. Several more counties were still working through the validation process: Charlotte, Craig, and City of Danville. The first rainfall of any significance reached southern Virginia on the 15th with about 1 to 3 inches falling by 12z (700 AM) on the 16th. Much heavier rainfall began to spread further northward during the afternoon and evening of the 16th prompting numerous Flash Flood Warnings and causing significant flood impacts. The highest observed rain amounts in Virginia within the HSA were over parts of southwest Floyd and northwest Patrick counties with over 8 inches in 24 hours (ending at 700 AM on the 17th) and 9 to 10 inches storm total. Willis 2.7 SE CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-6) had 9.59 inches in the 72-hour period ending 700 AM on the 18th.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Sep 14, 9:09 AM EST, 46 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1009 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018
.SYNOPSIS...
Hurricane Florence will track inland over southeast NC today,
then shift into South Carolina Saturday into early Sunday,
before moving northward across the southern Appalachians into
the eastern Ohio Valley early next week. Period of heavy rain
and gusty winds will accompany this storm and bring the threat
of significant flooding.
&&
.NEAR TERM /THROUGH SATURDAY/...
As of 1000 AM EDT Friday...
Morning soundings show low level moisture spinning westward
beneath a drier subsidence inversion aloft this morning well to
the northwest of Florence. However low level winds quite strong
aloft espcly off the GSO raob where seeing 50 kts just above the
boundary layer. Some of this already mixing down across the
piedmont where upped wind gusts to around 35 mph over southern
sections per output from the latest HRRR/NamNest. Otherwise will
see breezy conditions increasing elsewhere espcly near the
southern Blue Ridge but overall below 30 mph. Appears any rain
threat to be light and along the eastern slopes through early
afternoon before bands to the south unfold north and mix with
some weak instability out east where bumped pops to more
widespread likelys later on. Shower threat appears less west of
the Blue Ridge given lingering subsidence and more northeast
flow so overall chance coverage there. High temps look to remain
in the 70s but still some breaks possible mainly south and west
of the Blue Ridge.
No changes to the going flash flood watch for now but given
forecast river flooding along the Dan and Roanoke Rivers may
need to extend as early as midday to cover these areas.
Previous discussion as of 340 AM EDT Friday...
Hurricane Florence continues to weaken in terms of winds but
will still bring an impact to our forecast area in terms of
rainfall, especially Saturday and beyond. Despite the weakening
some gusts to 35 to 40 mph are not out of the question this
afternoon into Saturday, mainly in the piedmont of VA/NC to the
foothills of NC and some of the higher terrain. The 00z model
package continues to show some differences in the track of
Florence with the ECM most consistent and close to the NHC
forecast.
With this solution, today will see increasing chances of shower
in the piedmont with less across the west. Some high-res models
are firing up convection over the WV mountains into far SW Va
this afternoon, which is not of the question. Overall went with
likely pops east of Lynchburg to Reidsville line, to slight to
low chance in the mountains. Thinking subsidence may limit
coverage along/west of I-81, except west of Bluefield to
Beckley. Isolated/localized flash flooding possible in the east
today into tonight, but again seems the better threat will be
Saturday into Monday as the flow turns more east then southeast
to south.
Saturday, will see Florence moving slowly from near Florence,
SC to Columbia, SC by evening. Models are favoring a nose of
higher rainfall totals surging toward the NC
mountains/foothills, with some outer banding of heavier showers
also possible across the NC piedmont near the VA border.
With the forecast rainfall we will be posting a flash flood
watch starting Saturday morning through Monday evening for our
NC counties from Watauga/Ashe in the mountains to
Rockingham/Caswell in the piedmont, then extending north along
the Blue Ridge to Floyd/Patrick/Grayson and Carroll Counties in
VA. Needless to say this has been highlighted for the past
several days, and additional watches are likely further north
with later forecasts.
Temperatures not changing too much with record warm lows
possible.
Confidence is high for this forecast period.
&&
.SHORT TERM /SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY NIGHT/...
As of 500 AM Friday...
Likely, the most significant impacts of a weakening Florence
will be felt across our area from late Saturday night into late
Sunday as the storm picks up speed on its way from central South
Carolina to the central Appalachians, before making a northward
turn toward far western Virginia. As the storm approaches the
western Carolinas, winds will gradually veer from northeasterly
Saturday night to an east-southeasterly direction by Sunday
afternoon, becoming more perpendicular to the ridgelines and
therefore increasing the upslope enhancement of rainfall
amounts. As such, believe Sunday and Sunday night is when we can
expect our heaviest rainfall, especially along the Blue Ridge
where locally 8-12 inches is possible. A flash flood watch has
already been posted for the Blue Ridge south of Roanoke and all
the northern North Carolina counties, which will likely be
expanded northward within the next 24 hours. The strongest low
level shear and helicity will also be realized on Sunday into
Sunday night, indicating an increased threat of a few, brief
spin-up tornadoes within the stronger rain bands. Winds during
this time will average in the 15 to 20 mph range sustained, with
some gusts approaching 35 mph for much of the area, though
ridge tops such as the Blue Ridge Parkway may experience gusts
up to 45 mph. As such, the issuance of a wind advisory within
the next 24 hours appears appropriate.
Between the combination of heavy rain and gusty winds,
preparations should be made for a wide range of hazards. Heavy
rain will quickly saturate our already moist soil conditions,
resulting in a strong potential for down trees and rock slides
which may begin to occur early in the storm, potentially cutting
off roadways. As rainfall continues, streams and rivers may
rise rapidly, resulting in a strong threat for flooding. Power
outages and losses of telecommunications are likely, which may
last for extended periods of time, perhaps several days. Folks
are strongly advised to anticipate these hazards and prepare
accordingly.
On Monday, the remnants of Florence will drift northward toward
the upper Ohio River Valley, resulting in decreasing rainfall
and windspeeds for our region. As such, rainfall will begin to
transition to scattered showers in otherwise decreasing cloud
cover, though locally heavy rain will still be possible in some
of the lingering rain bands.
On Monday night, the remnants will begin to turn northeast on a
track toward New England. Depending on how quickly the remnants
exit the Ohio River valley, Tuesday may become a day of drying
as winds shift northwesterly for the mid-Atlantic, though a few
showers and thunderstorms may develop with afternoon heating.
&&
.LONG TERM /TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY/...
As of 530 AM EDT Friday...
Little to discuss for the Tuesday night to Thursday time period
as high pressure builds in from the northwest, resulting in
relatively dry weather conditions under partly/mostly clear
skies. Temperatures will remain summer-like, with overnight lows
holding in the 60s and afternoon highs warming into the upper
70s to low 80s.
&&
.AVIATION /14Z FRIDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
As of 720 AM EDT Friday...
MVFR to IFR ceilings to stick around through the morning but
increase to MVFR to VFR by 18z. Showers will mainly be situated
east of the taf sites, but some will nudge into LYH/DAN at times
through the day.
Northeast winds will be in the 10-15kt range with gusts
20-30kts, the higher over DAN closer to the center of Florence.
Going into tonight the cigs will drop again below MVFR with
increasing threat of rain as far west as BCB. Visibilities will
also drop to MVFR to IFR at times. Winds stay up for the most
part through the period, but nothing over 30kts in the gusts are
expected.
Medium confidence in the forecast this period.
Extended Discussion...
Rainfall will spread north and west through the weekend with
poor flying conditions. Winds will swing to the southeast by
Sunday then to the southwest to west early next week. Will see
Florence shift north of us by Tue-Wed next week with conditions
improving.
Confidence gradually transitions to below average through
Sunday due to existing uncertainties associated with the
movement and placement of Florence.
&&
.HYDROLOGY...
As of 400 PM Thursday...
The long build-up to this event continues as Florence forecast
track has been adjusted and readjusted. The big question mark at
this point of course remains the QPF--forecast rainfall. The
next two days through 12z Saturday are not of too much concern
as the storm will be dousing coastal Carolinas and QPF in our
area in this time frame not expected to be above 1 to 1.5 inches
(except possibly far NW NC with up to 2 inches) in any area and
less in most of the river basins. Cannot rule an outer band
dropping brief heavy rainfall. More significant QPF is outlooked
in the Day 3 time frame the a WPC Moderate risk for rainfall
exceeding flash flood guidance in the NC mountains and far
southwest VA and a Slight risk to the north through the central
CWA. Hydrologic models from the different RFCs will be
incorporating 72 hours of QPF throughout this event so the Day 3
numbers are just now getting into the hydro models and the
effect is evident on the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction (AHPS)
page along the Dan River from Wentworth to South Boston with
Action stages being indicated and even Minor flooding at South
Boston. Moving forward in time, more of the QPF from Florence
will be ingested into the hydro models and significant responses
can be expected on the upper New, Yadkin, upper Roanoke basins
and to a lesser extent on the James and Greenbrier. The track
and rainfall pattern beyond Day 3 will determine the extent of
flooding that occurs. Will likely hold off on a Flood/Flash
Flood Watch until tomorrow unless there is a more immediate
threat as this storm has already been delayed considerably and
messaged heavily for most of the week and it is doubtful that a
Flood Watch is going to alert a great many people.
The effects of the wet antecedent conditions are unclear
because if it rains hard enough and long enough it may not
matter much but soil moisture and stream flows are well above
the seasonal norms. Output from the National Water Model shows
positive streamflow anomalies on nearly all our streams and
rivers for this time of year and similar numbers are shown on
the USGS Waterwatch website. The Roanoke River at Roanoke
forecast point for example, is running at the 98th percentile of
all flows for this date and over 500 percent of the mean flow
for the date. The New River at Allisonia, above Claytor Lake is
at the 95th percentile and over 200 percent of mean flow.
Because these flows are near their annual minima in early to
mid- September it may be a less of a factor but cannot be
discounted. With the existing QPF consensus, moderate to major
flooding within several river basins is a very real possibility,
unless of course Florence shifts track. The other concern is
the risk for landslides which become start to become a concern
in steep terrain with 5 inches or more of rain and a big concern
above 10 inches. This will be discussed more in upcoming
Flood/Flash flood Watches that may become necessary,
&&
.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...Flash Flood Watch from Saturday morning through Monday evening
for VAZ015>017-032.
NC...Flash Flood Watch from Saturday morning through Monday evening
for NCZ001>006-018>020.
WV...None.
&&
SYNOPSIS...MBS/WP
NEAR TERM...JH/MBS/WP
SHORT TERM...NF
LONG TERM...NF
AVIATION...KK/WP
HYDROLOGY...PCHazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 444 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018 VAZ007-009>014-018>020-022>024-033>035-043>047-058-059-WVZ042>044- 507-508-150845- Tazewell-Smyth-Bland-Giles-Wythe-Pulaski-Montgomery-Craig- Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Franklin-Bedford- Amherst-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax- Charlotte-Mercer-Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier- Western Greenbrier- 444 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for central Virginia, south central Virginia, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and southeast West Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Excessive rainfall from the remnants of Florence will impact the area this weekend into Monday. Some areas could see flash flooding, as well as river flooding. Although winds are not expected to be that strong, a few gusts over 40 mph and saturated soils could lead to downed trees, with isolated power outages. There could also be some isolated weak tornadoes Sunday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to monitor for flooding, downed trees and power lines, along with possible tornadoes Sunday. Please email your rainfall and severe weather reports to rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or pass them along on our US National Weather Service Blacksburg VA Facebook page. NCZ001>006-018>020-VAZ015>017-032-150845- Ashe-Alleghany NC-Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Watauga-Wilkes- Yadkin-Grayson-Carroll-Floyd-Patrick- 444 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018 ...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SATURDAY MORNING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING... This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina, northwest North Carolina and southwest Virginia. .DAY ONE...Today and tonight. There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Saturday through Thursday. Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the Internet for more information about the following hazards. Flash Flood Watch. In addition, although winds are not expected to be that strong, a few gusts over 40 mph and saturated soils could lead to downed trees, with isolated power outages. There could also be some isolated weak tornadoes Sunday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to monitor for flooding, downed trees and power lines, along with possible tornadoes Sunday. Please email your rainfall and severe weather reports to rnk.skywarn@noaa.gov or pass them along on our US National Weather Service Blacksburg VA Facebook page.
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Blacksburg VA 1054 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018 NCZ003>006-019-020-VAZ032-043>045-058-059-142100- Surry-Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Wilkes-Yadkin-Patrick-Henry- Pittsylvania-Campbell-Halifax-Charlotte- Including the cities of Dobson, Danbury, Eden, Yanceyville, Wilkesboro, Yadkinville, Stuart, Martinsville, Danville, Lynchburg, South Boston, and Keysville 1054 AM EDT Fri Sep 14 2018 ...Gusty Northeast Winds Into Late This Afternoon... As the circulation of Florence moves inland across southeast North Carolina through this afternoon, northeast winds will strengthen across the foothills and piedmont sections with gusts to 40 mph possible. These speeds may be enough to cause tree limbs to fall resulting in sporadic power outages. Showers are also possible this afternoon which could briefly bring down stronger winds in isolated areas.
The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 61 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 09:57 UTC.
15 flash flood, 14 flood, 7 strong wind, 6 heavy rain, 1 lightning. Local standard time, as filed.
Strong winds combined with saturated ground knocked over multiple trees, most noticeably in the areas of Cana and Lambsburg Mountain. A tree also fell on a car on Paul's Creek Road, but the driver was not injured.
Strong winds and saturated ground caused multiple trees to fall. One tree that fell over Northside Drive in Martinsville caused a three vehicle accident that shut down the road for two hours.
Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused an estimated ten trees to fall, mainly on the night of Sunday the 16th.
Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused multiple trees to come down across the county, but mainly noted in the Baywood area.
Strong winds combined with saturated ground knocked over a couple of trees. One tree fell at the intersection of South Constitution Route and Self Road, and the other fell at intersection of Sharon Church and Betties Branch Roads. Both trees caused some impact to travel.
Copper Hill 6.2 S CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-2) measured 7.10 inches for the 24 hours ending 0600 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (6.66-8.07 inches) for a 50-year average recurrence interval (.02 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.
Willis 2.7 SE CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-6) measured 7.78 inches for the 24 hours ending 0700 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (7.63-9.31 inches) for a 25-year average recurrence interval (.04 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.
The COOP site at Stuart (STUV2) measured 4.49 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 17th. This was the 4th highest daily rainfall in September with nearly complete climate date back to 1923. The record is 6.03 inches set September 28, 2004.
The COOP station at Copper Hill (COHV2) measured 4.61 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 17th. This was the 6th highest recorded in the month of September with nearly complete rainfall records extending back to 1940.
Meadows of Dan 2.3 E CoCoRaHS (VA-PR-5) measured 7.60 inches for the 24 hours ending 0800 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (7.01-8.37 inches) for a 25-year average recurrence interval (.04 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.
Strong winds caused multiple power lines to come down on Norfolk Street and the Southern Main Rail Line.
Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused many trees to fall down, taking out power lines and creating road closures. By 3 PM Monday, 320 customers within the county were still without power.
Powder Mill Creek flooded a portion of School Board Road behind the Sheetz in Rocky Mount.
Grayson County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The automated ran gage at Galax (GAXV2) measured 3.23 inches in the 24-hours ending 1200z (700 AM local time). The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the southeastern parts of the county.
Numerous roads were closed across Floyd County with the first report along Thunderstruck Road. Other reports of roads flooded and closed included Woods Gap Road, Franklin Pike, Poor Farm Road, Shooting Creek Road, Twin Falls Road, Spring Dale Road, and Spangler Mill Road. The road at Spangler Mill was reported damaged. County officials urged people in about 300 households in floodplains to evacuate. National Guard units rescued one person from a vehicle stranded in a flooded roadway around 500 AM local time.
The stream gage on Chestnut Creek at Galax (CCKV2) crested at 9.05 feet (4310 cfs) in the early morning hours of the 17th. Minor flood stage is 7 feet. Several roads were closed, including Chestnut Drive at this stage. This was the highest stage since June, 2013 (9.30 ft.) at this gage and was close to a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual chance) per USGS information.
Martinsville City was included as part of the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.
Patrick County was declared a Major Disaster under the Presidential Declaration. Calls to 911 dispatch about flooding began shortly 1250 AM EST with water reported near some homes Riverside Drive along Poorhouse Creek in Stuart. At the same time water was also over the road on portions of Jeb Stuart Highway (Route 58) just north of Stuart. Several other roads were later reported closed with up to 1.5 feet of water flowing across Jacks Creek Road. The river gage on the Smith River near Woolwine (SMWV2) gage showed a rise in less than six hours to a crest of 12.35 feet, Minor flood stage is 9 feet and Moderate flood stage 11 feet. This was the 2nd highest reading at this gage since data started there in 1995 and was roughly a 5-10 year annual recurrence interval (0.20 to 0.10 annual exceedance probability).
Henry County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. There were nearly a dozen calls to the county 911 for flooding, including several road washouts and motorists trapped in a flooded vehicle. Residents of Blackberry Mobile Home Park also reported flooding. The time of occurrence is based on reports and the time of highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.
Franklin County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the western parts of the county.
Roanoke County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. Route 744E from Bottom Creek Road to Bent Mountain Road was closed due to a washout. Radar estimated 4 to 6 inches of rain over the southwest part of the county in the 24- hours ending 1200z (700 AM local time) and several IFLOWS rain gages had 4+ inches including 4.40 inches at Witt's Orchard (WITV2) and 4.21 inches at Poor Mtn. (POOV2). The areal extent of flooding was adjusted per runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.
Craig County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with some damage to roads and other structures although the amount of rain and runoff was coniserably lower than areas to the southwest. Radar estimated 1 to 1.75 inches fell across the southwest part of the county.
Botetourt County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence and spatial extent of flooding is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the southern parts of the county.
The COOP site at Keysville 2 S (KYSV2) measured 3.91 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 18th. This was the 3rd highest daily rainfall recorded in September at this station since records began in 1979 (with a break from 2012-2014) and 9th highest in any month.
Danville City was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with some damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the eastern part of the city. Danville ASOS (DAN) had 2.09 inches of rain on the 17th. the 3rd highest ever for the date with data back to 1916.
Pittsylvania County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant flood damage to roads and other structures. The time and spatial occurrence was based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. This indicated that the flash flooding was worst across the eastern parts of the county.
The North Mayo River near Spencer (NMRV2) crested above the Minor flood stage of 8 feet, reaching 9.31 feet (5590 cfs) near midday on the 17th. It was the highest stage since January 25, 2010 (10.95 ft.) and according to USGS studies it was approximately a 5-year event (.20 annual chance flood).
The Dan River at South Boston (SBNV2) flooded above the Moderate flood stage category (25 ft.), cresting at 27.06 feet (33,800 cfs) on the 20th. Several roads were closed and businesses along Route 501 in the Riverdale area were affected. Wolftrap Road was also flooded east of the airport.
The New River at Allisonia (ALSV2) rose very rapidly and crested in the Moderate flood category at 11.52 feet (60900 cfs) mid-afternoon of the 17th. It was the highest stage since the January 31, 2013 flood (12.91 ft.) and was approximately a 5-year flood event (.20 annual chance event) per USGS studies. Several roads close to the river were flooded and closed including Clarks Ferry Road and Julia Simpkins Road.
Gambetta Road at the New River Trail was flooded by Chestnut Creek. The stream gage on Chestnut Creek upstream crested about two feet over flood stage.
Pulaski County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time and spatial occurrence was based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.
The New River at Ivanhoe (IVNV2) rose very rapidly and crested at 18.02 feet (44400 cfs) late morning of the 17th. It was the highest stage since the January 31, 2013 flood (19.66 ft.) and the 8th highest since gage records began in 1931. It was approximately a 10-year flood event (.10 annual chance event) per USGS studies. Shady River Drive in Ivanhoe near the gage was flooded.
The Roanoke River IFLOWS gage at Salem Pump Station (SPSV2) rose above the minor flood stage of 7 feet on the morning of the 17th and crested at 10.1 feet. The Mill Lane bridge was closed and flooding occurred along portions of Riverside Drive.
Charlotte County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. A report was received of 10 to 12 inches of water flowing over Route 631 from Tanyard Branch. Bluestone Creek also spilled out of its banks and flooded a portion of Route 92. Sunnyside Road was also closed due to flooding from a nearby stream. Runoff per the CREST Hydrologic model was highest in far eastern parts of the county.
The river gage at Danville (DVLV2) the crested at 22.96 (32,300 cfs) well above the Moderate flood stage of 20.5 feet and very close to a 10-year event (0.10 Annual chance flood) per USGS data.
The New River at Galax (GAXV2) crested at 10.04 feet (Minor flood stage is 9 ft.), which was the 11th highest stage on record (records back to 1930) and highest stage since November 19, 2003 (11.0 ft.), excluding the ice jam flood of January 2010. According to USGS this was slightly in excess of a 5-year flood (.20 annual chance) at this is gage.
A 53-year old woman was reported to have drowned in the Roanoke River during flooding from Florence although details were lacking in terms of location and timing. The Roanoke River at Roanoke (RONV2) crested at 11.41 feet (10,200 cfs) around mid-day on the 17th. Minor flood stage is 10 feet. Several low water bridges and the Roanoke Greenway were flooded and closed. This was the highest stage since September 30, 2015 and was roughly a 2- to 5-year flood event (0.5 - 0.2 annual chance flood).
Halifax County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant flood damage to roads and other structures. There were several flash flood reports across the county with roads closed across Halifax County including Highway 119 near the VA-NC state line, Railroad Avenue in South Boston and Summit Drive in South Boston.
The Dan River at Paces (PCEV2) flooded into the Moderate category (24 ft.) cresting at 25.74 feet (32900 cfs) early on the 19th. At least one road was flooded and closed, Route 658 (Melon Road). The flooding was just below a 10-year event (0.10 annual chance flood) per USGS data.
Lightning struck a student at Central Middle School while washing their hands in an art classroom. Reports indicate the student was released from the hospital that evening.
The New River at Radford (RDFV2) crested at 16.30 feet, just over Moderate flood stage of 16 feet very early on the 18th. The peak discharge of 59,800 cfs was very close to a 5-year event (.20 annual chance flood).
Flash flooding closed Sycamore Creek Road (3200 Block) as water was flowing across the road.
Rock Island Creek exceeded its banks by almost five feet in depth. Water was also reported over several roads in the county.
As the offices recorded each death: direct deaths were caused by the weather itself, indirect ones by something it set in motion.
| Event | Date | Age | Sex | Where | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flood, Roanoke (C) | 2018-09-17 | 53 | Female | Unknown | Direct |
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Virginia in 2018Every state in 2018This day in weather historyWarnings in Virginia, September 2018
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 782232, 782243, 782249, 782252, 782271, 783577, 783576, 787508, 787510, 783583, 782261, 782274, 786867, 787125, 784349, 787133, 787030, 784336, 787023, 787055, 786804, 787080, 787096, 785892, 787105, 786877, 787563, 786834, 787604, 787571, 787584, 787610, 787709, 785891, 786490, 786488, 786781, 786823, 786826, 786486, and more.