Roanoke, Va. – Residents across southwest Virginia and parts of southeastern West Virginia should prepare for potential flash flooding through 10 p.m. Wednesday as heavy rain drenches the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Raleigh, a Flood Watch is in effect for 13 counties in Virginia—including Roanoke, Giles, Bedford, and Montgomery—as well as four counties in West Virginia, such as Monroe and both Eastern and Western Greenbrier. Localized downpours may cause creeks, streams, and small rivers to swell rapidly, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Cities like Blacksburg, Salem, Covington, and Lewisburg are all under watch, with runoff possibly pushing streams out of their banks. Drivers should avoid water-covered roads, especially along rural routes and near mountainous terrain where water can rise quickly. Emergency officials recommend charging cell phones, monitoring alerts, and preparing for possible road closures or evacuations if conditions worsen.
This watch follows a week of already saturated ground, heightening the risk of flash flooding even with moderate rainfall.
Warnings could be issued with little notice. Stay tuned to local updates and be ready to act quickly if alerts are upgraded later this evening.
