Roanoke, Virginia – Drivers across southwest and central Virginia could encounter rapidly flooding roads and dangerous low-water crossings through midweek as repeated rounds of thunderstorms move across the region with intense rainfall rates.
According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, showers and thunderstorms are possible each day through Wednesday night, with some storms capable of producing rainfall rates between 1 and 3 inches per hour. Forecasters warn that repeated storms moving over the same locations could trigger localized flash flooding, especially in urban areas and near small streams.
Communities including Roanoke, Lynchburg, Danville, Wytheville and Blacksburg are all within the area facing an elevated excessive rainfall threat Monday through Wednesday night. Ponding on roads, flooded intersections and rapidly rising creeks may impact travel along Interstate 81, U.S. 460 and portions of the Blue Ridge Parkway during heavier storms. Emergency officials urge residents to avoid driving across water-covered roads, particularly overnight when flooding is harder to recognize.
Mountain terrain and saturated ground conditions may also increase runoff concerns near valleys and small rivers. While confidence remains lower on exactly where the heaviest rainfall will repeatedly develop, forecasters say any stronger thunderstorm could quickly create hazardous travel conditions.
Residents are encouraged to monitor weather alerts closely and have multiple ways to receive warnings through the middle of the week. Additional flood advisories or flash flood warnings may be issued as storms redevelop across the region.
