Tornadoes and Flash Flooding in Virginia, September 26 to 30, 2024

The New River near Galax (GAXV2) crested at 21.26 feet (108,000 cfs) at 10:15 PM EDT on Sept. 27th (28/0215 UTC) due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. This is the second highest crest in the history of this gage, only behind the flooding event of August 1940. This crest rates between a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI)(1% Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP)) and a 200-year ARI (0.5% AEP) per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 20 inches of rain that fell across the upper New River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Extensive flooding occurred along several roads along the banks of the river, including Grinders Mill Road, Riverview Lane, Riverside Drive, Pleasant Grove Road, Little River Road, Old River Lane, Riverwood Lane, Pattons Mill Lane, Greenville Road, and Gold Hill Road. In some cases, the roads were simply flooded, cutting off access to residents living along the roads. Some of the homes had water enter the properties, destroying and/or carrying away personal equipment and buildings.

The Little River at Peach Bottom (LPBV2) crested at 22.45 feet at 1815 UTC/2:15 EDT on Sept. 27th due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Helene. This stage-only gage was installed by the Virginia Dept. of Emergency Management during spring of 2024, so had no previously-documented flood crests to compare this event with. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 16 inches of rain that fell across the Little River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Downstream of the gage, much of Little River Road on the left bank was inundated up to four feet deep from flooding of the river. Multiple properties on the right bank had water inundation, but unclear as to how much. Several trees were bent over or snapped due to the force of the water. At the gage on Old Baywood Road, a large pile of debris was lodged against the bridge over the river. Part of the road at the intersection of Little River Road and Old Baywood Road was sunken and nearly washed out, but remained passable to traffic. The width of flowing water during the peak of the flood event was estimated to be over 400 feet wide across Baywood Road based on high water marks. Further upstream, at least three camper homes were flooded along River Bottom Lane near the intersection with Cold Springs Lane. The flooding washed out a roughly 200-foot length of River Place, stranding several residents that used the drive to enter or leave their homes. No homes on River Place experienced flooding, however anything between the road and the river was flooded during the event.

The New River at Allisonia (ALSV2) crested at 21.91 feet (166,945 cfs) at 11:15 PM EDT on Sept. 27th (28/0315 UTC) due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. It was observed that the gage flatlined at this stage for about 3 hours, so it's possible that the crest was closer to or rose above 22 feet. This is the second highest crest in the history of this gage, behind the flooding event of August 1940 (23.42 ft). This crest rates just above a 200-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI), or a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 20 inches of rain that fell across the upper New River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Extensive flooding occurred along Clarks Ferry Road and Julia Simpkins Road in Allisonia, Shulls Lane and Ledge Rock Road in the Draper area, Parrott River Road in Parrott and Hazel Hollow Road in Fairlawn, where numerous homes were inundated to various extents. Along Julia Simpkins Road, the Allisonia Pentecostal Holiness Church was partially submerged by the New River for the first documented time since it was built in 1912. Numerous trailers that were parked at campsites along the river were carried away by the flood waters. Claytor lake was noted filled with about 240 tons of debris washed in from the river, which covers an estimated 20 acres of the lake's surface. Some debris originated from as far upstream as Jefferson, NC. Roughly 65 homes in Pulaski County were majorly damaged, while 39 homes were minorly damaged.

The New River near Ivanhoe (IVNV2) crested at 33.08 feet (119,940 cfs) at 8:45 PM EDT on Sept. 27th (28/0045 UTC) due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. This is the third highest crest in the history of this gage, behind the flooding events of August 1940 (1st at 38.10 ft) and July 1916 (2nd at 34.80 ft). This crest rates around a 200-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI), or a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 20 inches of rain that fell across the upper New River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Extensive flooding occurred along Sandy River Drive, where water rose up to the bases of several homes, with water intrusion into a few. Numerous sheds and outbuildings closer to the river were severely damaged or swept away by the flooding. Multiple camper homes just upstream were inundated. Flooding rose up to the base of the bridge crossing the New River on Store Hill Road downstream of the gage. Multiple homes and outbuildings were flooded along Powerline Road and Mill Bank Lane. A portion of Rose Road was flooded and impassible.

Heavy rain, falling at rates of about one inch per hour, resulted in renewed flash flooding across portions of Smyth. A portion of Highway 16 was partially washed out and significantly damaged sometime during the early morning hours of the 27th, exposing multiple utility lines beneath the road surface.

Flood waters along the New River were observed rising an average of 2 feet per hour during the flooding associated with Hurricane Helene. At the height of the damage inflicted by Helene, Claytor Lake had a debris field that was 4+ miles long, covered 250+ acres, and weighed an estimated 240 tons. The debris was washed in from Major Flooding along the New River upstream of the reservoir. Debris included uprooted or snapped trees, boats and docks, and portions of buildings. About 25% of collected material is manmade. The debris also included hazardous materials such as fuel tanks and chemical waste containers. It was estimated that it would take several months to clean the majority of the debris from the lake, with the effort conducted by dozens of organizations, some using heavy construction vehicles such as excavators loaded onto barges. Ten swift water rescues occurred within the county, with drones considered an asset in confirming which subjects were in need of being rescued. A total of 10 road closures were reported in Pulaski County. There were 819 structures were within the floodplain, 12 of which were destroyed, 65 were majorly damaged, 39 were minorly damaged, totaling about $5 million worth of property damage. Total debris removal as of January 2025 was at least 600 tons, and still climbing. Overall damage assessment for Pulaski County is estimated to be approaching $7 million.

Considerable to catastrophic flash flooding occurred across Grayson County. This included at least 200 bridges or culverts that were completely washed out, making the roads impassible. Five large pipes were washed out in the county: three on Route 783 (Helton Creek Lane) and two on Route 749 (Cabin Creek).

Numerous trees and powerlines were downed across the county by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, especially the Ararat area. Over 3,700 customers were reported without power at the peak of the high winds, during the early afternoon of Friday. Agriculture damages alone totaled over $120,000, which includes damages to crops, facilities, land, and structures.

Heavy rain occurring during the early morning hours of the 27th resulted in renewed flooding around the community of Independence, with at least 2 roads destroyed in the local area. This includes Highway 21 near Independence, which serves about 1,800 vehicles per day and was destroyed when the ground beneath the road slid down the hillside.

Trees were downed county wide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Over 18,000 customers were reported without power by 6 PM EDT on Friday, the peak of the high winds. There was one confirmed fatality, one man was killed when a tree fell on him while he was clearing a tree that had fallen across and blocked a road. Agricultural damage alone totaled over $11 million, which includes losses from crops, facilities and structures. Another $6.5 million dollars in damage was reported due to wind damage of residential properties.

A landslide was observed covering the entirety of Highway 220 near the community of Hot Springs. Boulders, trees, and dirt was described in the landslide. The property damage was the estimated cost of removing the debris.

Around 40 trees and power lines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, many of which fell into roads and made them impassable. Over 2,650 customers were reported without power by 11 AM Friday.

More than 50 trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Over 3,400 people were reported without power during the peak of high winds Friday evening.

Numerous trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, many of which fell into fences, structures, and roads, and resulted in several roads being blocked and many power outages. By late morning on Friday, over 10,700 customers were without power in the area. A 65 mph wind gust was recorded approximately four miles west of the town of Rugby at 7:40 AM. Agriculture damage totaled around $60 million across the county, and forestry damage totaled around $15 million. Christmas tree growers lost $281,250 and the dead trees will result in an additional $281,250 annually through 2031. The high winds also caused damage to agriculture structures on several farms. One male passed away after losing his home. Three minor injuries were reported during the storm.

The New River at Radford (RDFV2) crested at 31.03 feet (170,159 cfs) at 4:00 AM EDT on Sept. 28th (28/0800 UTC) due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. This is the 4th highest crest in the history of this gage, behind the flooding events of August 1940 (1st at 38.10 ft) and July 1916 (2nd at 34.80 ft). This crest rates nearly a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI), or a 0.5% Annual Exceedance Probability per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 20 inches of rain that fell across the upper New River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates.

Around 90 trees and powerlines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, and resulted in numerous power outages. Over 4,800 customers were reported without power at the peak of high winds Friday afternoon. Agricultural losses totaled over $140,000, which includes damages to crops, facilities, land, and structures.

Over 50 trees and power lines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, resulting in numerous power outages. Over 15,000 customers were reported without power at the peak of the high winds during early Friday afternoon. A personal weather station in Montvale reported a peak wind gust of 59 MPH at 1:44 PM EDT.

Trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, with the greatest concentration of damage in the Saltville area. By 2 PM EDT on Friday, over 12,100 customers were without power throughout the county. Agricultural losses totaled over $18 million, including losses to crops, as well as structure and facility damage.

Trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, resulting in numerous power outages. A 64 MPH wind gust was measured near Woodlawn at 10:40 AM EDT and the high winds damaged at least 20 structures across the county. The high winds also destroyed 25 to 50 percent of the apple crops resulting in $617,000 worth of damage. At the peak of the high winds, nearly 17,000 customers were reported without power.

A few trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Over 12,000 customers were reported without power by the peak of the high winds, late Friday morning. One postal worker was injured when a tree fell on him on Quails Place in Hollins, Virginia.

Around 45 trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, causing many power outages. Over 1,400 customers were reported without power at the peak of the high winds around noon on Friday. Losses from agriculture damages totaled around $35,000, including damage to crops, facilities, and land.

Runoff from continued heavy rain resulted in numerous roads becoming flooded and impassible across Smyth County per reports from the public and from the Smyth County 911 Dispatch Center. Rainfall totals ranging from four to locally seven inches were observed across much of the county on the 26th, resulting in numerous flooded creeks and rivers, as well as several roads that were covered by several inches of flowing water. After a brief lull in rainfall as the Predecessor Rainfall Event concluded early on the morning of the 27th, allowing flooding to slow down briefly, heavy rain directly associated with the arrival of Tropical Storm Helene entered the county between 6:30 am and 7 am EDT, falling at rates of one to two inches per hour.

Among the reports of flooding and damage that were received, the Smyth County Sheriffs office performed several of swift water rescues through the day as several homes were surrounded by water several feet deep and the residents had to be evacuated. The majority of the rescues took place in the communities of Marion, Atkins, and Sugar Grove, though rescues were required all across the county. Water rescues also occurred for vehicles that were stranded along flooded roads, such as in the Town of Marion where water was up to a foot deep on several roads. Also included are rescues for the occupants of two vehicles along the 5200 block of Lee Highway near Marion. Another rescue was required in Marion when a pickup truck was stranded near the intersection of Stoney Battery Road and Rowland Creek Lane. The Smyth County 911 Center also reported that a portion of Hutton Road became flooded and impassable, cutting off a residence from outside access. A bridge along St. Claire’s Creek Road was also washed out.

Around 50 trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Almost 2,300 customers were reported without power at the peak of high winds in the early afternoon of Friday.

About 89 trees were downed across the county by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. By early Friday afternoon, over 4,000 people were reported without power.

Multiple trees were downed, scattered throughout the county, by the high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Over 1,700 people were reported without power by mid Friday afternoon.

Numerous trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants Hurricane Helene. Over 4,000 people were reported without power by 4 PM EDT Friday afternoon. The agriculture industry sustained over $1.5 million in losses, including losses from crops, facilities and structures.

Hundres of trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, including a massive swath of trees just off Wesendonck Road and in the Little Creek Road area. Nearly 4,000 customers were reported without power at the peak of the high winds. Agriculture damage losses exceed $700,000, including losses from crops, as well as facilities, land, and structures.

Numerous trees were downed across the county by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, several of which landed across roads and made them impassable, such as on Little Creek Road. Over 3,100 customers were reported without power by 2 PM on Friday. Around $450,000 in losses were sustained in the agriculture industry, including losses to crops, as well as facilities, structures, and land in Pulaski County and the City of Radford.

About 150 trees were downed across the county from high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, several of which fell into roads and caused road closures. At the peak of the high winds, around early Friday afternoon, nearly 5,000 people were reported without power. Total losses from agriculture damages were around $106,000, including damages to crops, structures, and land.

Numerous trees were downed across the county due to high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, especially on Routes 621, 42, and 658. A large swath of trees were also downed near Sugar Maple Road. Over 3,200 customers were reported without power at the peak of the high winds, by mid afternoon on Friday. A peak wind speed of 68 mph was measured. There was one confirmed fatality, a woman was killed when a chicken coop that was lofted by the high winds hit her. A deputy was also injured at the scene. Total losses from agriculture damages were around $85,000, including losses from crops and structures.

Between 60 and 70 trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, especially in the Natural Bridge and Glasgow areas. The central and the southern portions of the county were the hardest hit. By 5 PM EDT Friday, over 1,500 customers were without power.

Trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Over 10,000 customers were reported without power by 3 PM on Friday. Agricultural damage totaled over $22 million, including losses from vegetables and crops, livestock, and facilities, land and infrastructure. Damage to fencing, structures, and land accounted for the greatest portion of total agriculture losses.

Chestnut Creek at Galax (CCKV2) crested at 11.46 feet (6,230 cfs) at 1915 UTC/3:15 EDT on Sept. 27th due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Storm Helene. This is the third highest crest in the history of this gage, and the highest crest since November 2003. This crest rates between a 10-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI)(0.1 Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP)) and a 25-year ARI (0.04 AEP) per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 8 and 11 inches of rain that fell across the Chestnut Creek basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 500-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Extensive flooding occurred in the northern end of the City of Galax, where homes and businesses along Meadow Street and Givens Street were flooded with up to 2 feet of water on the right bank-side of the river. On the left bank-side, flooding from the creek entered a large industrial building between Highway 58 and Webster Street. Drone imagery indicated that the Grayson Street bridge over the creek was inundated by several inches of water. Further upstream, Chestnut Creek flooded across Coal Creek Road from near the intersection with Pipers Gap Road to the 300 block of Coal Creek Road. This stranded multiple residents that have to cross the creek to leave their properties.

About a dozen trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Most of the downed trees were reported in the Lynch Station, Altavista, Evington, Rustburg, and Concord areas. Over 850 people were reported without power by early Friday afternoon.

Numerous trees and powerlines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, scattered throughout the county, although most were in the northern half of Amherst County. Almost 1,900 customers were reported without power by Friday evening.

Around 11 trees and power lines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Nearly 500 customers were reported without power by midnight Friday.

A few trees and a few power lines were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Nearly 950 customers were reported without power by 1 PM EDT Friday.

The South Fork Holston River at Riverside near Chilhowie (SHLV2) crested at 10.87 feet at 20:00 UTC/4:15 PM EDT on Sept. 27th due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. This is a new Flood-of-Record for this gage, with records dating back to October 1920. The discharge of 11,300 cfs for 10.87 feet was estimated through extrapolation as this stage is above the rating curve. This discharge would be greater than a 500-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI), or a 0.2% Annual Exceedance Probability per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 16 inches of rain that fell in multiple rounds across the basin between the 25th and 27th, with 3-day totals across most of the upper basin exceeding an 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates.

About 20 trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Around 333 people were reported without power at the peak of high winds, around 1 AM EDT on Saturday the 28th.

About five trees were downed by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene. Just over 500 customers were reported without power by 4 PM EDT on Friday.

The New River at Glen Lyn (GLLV2) crested at 24.24 feet (180,000 cfs) at 1:00 PM EDT on Sept. 28th (28/1700 UTC) due to heavy rain associated with Tropical Cyclone Helene. It was observed that the gage flatlined at this stage for about 3 hours, so it's possible that the crest was closer to or rose above 22 feet. This is the second highest crest in the history of this gage, behind the flooding event of August 1940 (27.50 ft). This crest rates just below a 100-year Average Recurrence Interval (ARI), or a 1% Annual Exceedance Probability per USGS StreamStats. The flooding was the result of between 10 and locally 20 inches of rain that fell across the upper New River basin between the 25th and 27th, with totals ranging anywhere from between a 200-year and more than a 1,000-year ARI per NOAA Atlas 14 Point Precipitation Frequency estimates. Near the town of Pembroke, substantial flooding of homes and property was observed along Caboose Lane, Overview Drive, and Royal Drive. At the Riverview Campground in the Town of Narrows, 70 to 80 campers were inundated, with several of those declared uninhabitable after the flooding receded. Only a handful of campers in the park were high enough to remain above the flooding. The water treatment plant in Narrows was surrounded by water as well. Backwater flooding from the New River occurred along Wolf Creek, with water entering Anna's Restaurant, as well as multiple businesses across from the Narrows Farmers Market. Near the community of Rich Creek, several campers at Gentry's Landing Campsite were inundated, with only a few campers on the highest parts of the property unaffected by flooding. Overall, the county assisted 48 families with relocation in the wake of the storm. At least 200 tons of debris had to be removed from along the banks of the New River.

An EF 2 tornado associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene initially touched down about three miles west-southwest of Dry Fork, and traveled 6.85 miles over about 18 minutes. Around 30 structures were damaged, including one mobile home that was completely destroyed and where one injury was sustained. Numerous hardwood and softwood trees were snapped or uprooted. Maximum winds were 118 mph.

An EF 1 tornado with max wind speeds of 105 to 110 mph initially touched down south of the intersection of Dickerson Mill Road and Hobby Drive, where minor roof damage occurred at one home. The tornado then traveled north-northwest, largely paralleling Fiddler Creek Road, while snapping and uprooting numerous hardwood and softwood trees. The tornado lifted near the end of Wheeler's Ridge Road, and was on the ground for about 1.24 miles.

An EF 1 tornado with max winds of 90 to 95 mph initially touched down near the intersection of Dodson Road and Slatesville Road near Keeling, Virginia. The tornado lifted approximately 0.15 miles north near Slatesville Road. Several trees were blown down by the tornado, but no damage to structures was observed.

Twenty one acres of sunflowers at the Beaver Dam Farm were flattened by strong winds.

A few trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds near the intersection of US Highway 501 and Liberty Road.