Home / Weather / Virginia Braces for Deluge: Flood Watch Issued
Virginia Braces for Deluge: Flood Watch Issued
23 Jun
Summary
- Flood watch in effect for Petersburg area from Tuesday afternoon through evening.
- Excessive rainfall could cause flooding with rates exceeding 2 inches per hour.
- Damaging winds and possible brief tornadoes are a severe threat east of I-95.
The National Weather Service has placed the Petersburg area under a flood watch, effective from Tuesday afternoon into the evening. This alert warns of conditions favorable for flooding across several localities, including Hopewell, Prince George, Colonial Heights, Eastern Chesterfield, and Richmond.
Excessive rainfall rates, possibly surpassing 2 inches per hour, are anticipated. This intense precipitation could lead to significant flooding in urban and poorly drained areas, despite recent dry conditions. Localized rainfall totals might reach 3 to 5 inches in some spots.
The severe weather threat is heightened east of Interstate 95, with damaging winds being the main concern. A brief tornado cannot be ruled out between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Residents in flood-prone zones are urged to stay informed and be ready to take action.
Understanding flood advisories is crucial: a flood watch indicates favorable conditions, while a flood warning signifies that harmful flooding is expected. Flash flooding can develop rapidly within hours of heavy rainfall.
