Flash Flooding and Flooding in Virginia, February 5 to 10, 2020

The NWS Cooperative station at Chatham (CHMV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.95 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.61 inches on Feb. 14, 1984 (complete data since 1923). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 4.80 inches for the period ending 700 AM on the 7th, breaking the previous February record of 3.15 inches set Feb. 25-26, 1979.

The NWS Cooperative station at Saltville 1 N (SLTV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.10 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February record was 2.08 inches on Feb. 21, 1897 (sporadic data since 1895). This station also set a date record the following day, for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 2.00 inches, breaking the old record of 1.82 inches set in 2019. The two-day total of 4.10 inches was also a February record for the site, breaking the previous two-day high of 3.04 inches in 1897.

The NWS Cooperative station at Martinsville (MARV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.31 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.65 inches on Feb. 23, 1984 (nearly complete data since 1931). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 4.36 inches, breaking the previous record of 3.32 inches set Feb. 25-26, 1979.

The NWS Cooperative station at Richlands (RCLV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.38 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February record was 2.05 inches on Feb. 11, 2018 (complete data since 1990). This station also set a date record for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 1.05 inches, breaking the old record of 0.90 inches set in 2019. The two-day total of 3.43 inches ending on the 7th was also a February record for the site, beating the previous record of 2.99 inches set the day before, February 6, 2020 and previously in 2018 at 2.59 inches.

The NWS Cooperative station at Pulaski 2 E (PSKV2) set a date rainfall record of 1.75 inches for the 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 6th. The previous record for the date was 1.27 inches in 2010. The station set another date record in the ensuing 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on the 7th, with 1.70 inches, breaking the previous record of 1.33 inches in 2004. The 2-day total of 3.45 inches was a February record for 2-days, breaking the old record of 3.41 inches set February 27-28, 1987. Nearly complete station data exists back to 1941, with some additional records back to 1920.

The NWS Cooperative station at Burkes Garden (BURV2) set a date rainfall record of 1.86 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February 6th record was 1.608 inches in 2010 (nearly complete data since 1896). This station also set a date record the following day, for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 1.70 inches, breaking the old record of 1.18 inches set in 1965. The two-day total of 3.56 inches was a February record for the site, breaking the previous two-day high of 3.55 inches set in 1897.

The NWS Cooperative station at Brookneal (BRKV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.06 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.32 inches on Feb. 25, 1979 (nearly complete data since 1951). The two-day total of 3.43 inches was the 2nd highest in February, just shy of of the record two-day high of 3.45 inches Feb. 25-26, 1979.

The NWS Cooperative station at Keysville 2 S (KYSV2) set a February daily rainfall record of 2.56 inches for the 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.53 inches February 7, 2004. The 2-day total of 2.85 inches was a February record for 2-days, breaking the old record of 1.95 inches set February 17-18, 1998. Nearly complete station data exists back to 1980.

The NWS Cooperative station at Meadows of Dan (MODV2) set a date rainfall record of 3.33 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous date record was 2.27 inches on Feb. 23, 1984 (nearly complete data since 1951). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 5.41 inches for the period ending 700 AM on the 7th, breaking the previous February record of 4.42 inches set Feb. 17-18, 1966.

The Danville Airport ASOS (DAN) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.18 inches for the 24-hour period ending at midnight on February 7th. The previous February daily record was 2.98 inches on Feb. 14, 1984. The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 3.40 inches, breaking the previous record set just the previous day (Feb 6th, 2020) of 3.38 inches. This broke a record from Feb. 25-26, 1979 at 3.01 inches. Official records (ThreadEx) at Danville date back to April, 1916.

The NWS Cooperative station at Stuart (STUV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.40 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.82 inches on Feb. 19, 1927 (nearly complete data since 1923).

The NWS Cooperative station at Galax (GALV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.48 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.96 inches on Feb. 23, 2003 (data since 2000).

The NWS Cooperative station at South Boston (SOBV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.32 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.76 inches on Feb. 17, 1990 (complete data since 1981).

The greatest flood impacts occurred along the Clinch River in Tazewell County, VA where the Richlands gage (RLRV2) crested at 14.33 feet (6205 cfs) which was the 9th highest on record and the highest stage since November, 2003 (14.65 ft.). This was above the Moderate flood stage of 13 feet but below Major flood stage of 16 feet. The USGS report cited above indicates approximately a 10-year (0.1 AEP) flood frequency for this event, yet flooding along lowland areas was extensive from Cedar Bluff downstream through Richlands and into the Doran and Raven communities. News reports mentioned water up to four feet deep in parts of Richlands. There were numerous evacuations conducted and homes and businesses flooded along with numerous roads flooded and some damaged. Preliminary damages for Tazewell County estimated at around $1.65 million by VDEM. This included $273,000 in damage to public property, $573,0000 in residential damage and $808,000 to commercial property. An additional $200,000 in road damage was reported by VDOT.

Numerous streets were flooded in Richlands due to urban runoff and and rapidly rising waters from the Clinch River and other streams especially Big Creek.

Heavy rains over a two-day period caused flooding with up to 50 roads closed or impassable across the county, including in the communities of Rural Retreat, Sugar Grove and Saltville.

Several roads were closed including Fairview Church Road, flooded by the South Fork of Reed Creek and Millers Creek Road from Millers Creek. The USGS gage on Reed Creek at Grahams Forge (GRHV2) crested just over flood stage (6.5 ft.) at 6.60 feet early on February 7th. The peak flow of 6,500 cfs was approximately a 5-year flood event (0.20 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads in the Meadows area are flooded at this stage.

US 460 was reported closed due to a washout near Pembroke.

Peak Creek was reported to be flooding a portion of Route 640 and in several other locations around Pulaski. The IFLOWS stream gage on Peak Creek (PCRV2) crested at 7.90 feet, just below the Flood Stage of 8 feet.

Poplar Creek, a tributary of the Dan River, was flooding Summit Drive near the intersection of Railroad Avenue.

The Bluestone River at Falls Mills (BRVV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 7 feet, cresting at 7.93 feet early the evening of February 6th. This was the highest stage since March, 2010 (8.54 ft.) and 5th highest on record with data back to 2005 and a period from 1981-1996. The peak discharge of 1,370 cfs was only 2-year flood event (0.50 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

Several roads were reported to have been flooded due to the heavy rainfall and runoff.

Several streams were out of banks and roads covered by flood waters.

Wolf Creek near Narrows (WOLV2) exceeded it's Minor flood stage of 10 feet, cresting at 11.72 feet the evening of February 6th, and flooding portions several roads near Narrows. The peak discharge of 10,400 cfs was approximately a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

The North Fork Holston River at Saltville (SALV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 10 feet, cresting at 11.37 feet on the evening of February 6th. This was the highest stage since November, 2003 (15.46 ft.) and 13th highest on record with data back to 1921. The peak discharge of 10,600 cfs was between a 5-year and 10-year flood event (0.20 and 0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads were closed by flooding in the Saltville area.

A portion of Stoney Fork Road was flooded from Stoney Creek.

The Dan River at Danville (DVLV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 26 feet, cresting at 27.22 feet on the morning of February 8th. This was the 3rd highest stage at the current gaging site since the remains of Hurricane Fran in September 1996 (28.65 ft.) and Hurricane Michael in October, 2018 (30.01 ft.). Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 43,000 cfs was estimated to be slightly in excess of a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads were closed by flooding in the Danville area with cars stranded. There was also a large mudslie that closed Memorial Avenue in Danville.

Water was reported flowing over Ruritan Road from Story Creek.

Walker Creek near Bane (BANV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 11 feet, cresting at 12.71 feet near midnight on February 7th, and flooding portions of Rye Hollow Road and Route 42. The peak discharge of 10,600 cfs was between and 2 and 5-year flood event (0.50 and 0.20 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

The Roanoke (Staunton) River at Brookneal (BROV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 27 feet, cresting at 27.41 feet early the morning of February 7th. This was the highest stage since January, 2010 (28.24 ft.). The peak discharge of 34,200 cfs was only slightly above a 2-year flood event (0.50 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

The Roanoke (Staunton) River near Randolph (RNDV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 24 feet last on the 6th and crested at 27.41 feet feet on the morning of February 7th, flooding portions several roads including Black Walnut Road.

The Dan River at South Boston (SBNV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 29 feet, cresting at 30.56 feet on the morning of February 9th. This was the 8th highest stage at this gaging site since records began in 1924, although there are breaks in the period of record. Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 47,300 cfs was estimated to be near the 10-year flood event (0.04 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads around South Boston were flooded and businesses in the Riverdale area flooded.

The New River at Allisonia (ALSV2) flooded into the Minor flood category (8 feet) and cresting at 10.47 feet midday on February 7th. The peak discharge of 51,600 cfs was approximately a 5-year flood event (.20 annual exceedance probability) per USGS studies. Several roads close to the river were flooded and closed including Clarks Ferry Road and Julia Simpkins Road.

The Dan River at Paces (PCEV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 29 feet, cresting at 29.75 feet in the late evening of February 8th. This was the 6th highest stage at this gaging site since continuous records began in 1951 and including the August 1940 flood. Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 51,000 cfs was estimated to be slightly above the 25-year flood event (0.04 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Route 658 was flooded and closed by the river.

The New River at Radford (RDFV2) crested at 14.74 feet, over the Minor flood stage of 14 feet on the afternoon of the 7th. The peak discharge of 52,300 cfs was between a 2- and 5-year event (0.50 to 0.20 annual exceedance probability) per USGS studies. Some parking lots at Radford University were closed.