ROANOKE, VA – As Tropical Storm Debby moves inland, the Roanoke and Vinton areas are bracing for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning, with rain expected to start Thursday and continue through Friday, possibly lingering into the weekend.
Rainfall and Duration
Over the course of this weather event, the region could receive between 5 to 8 inches of rain, with localized areas seeing even higher amounts. The prolonged rainfall heightens the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying and flood-prone regions.
Roads at Risk of Flooding
Several streets in Roanoke are particularly vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain:
- Wise Avenue SE
- Bennington Street SE
- Hershberger Road NW
- Yellow Mountain Road SE
- 13th Street SE
- Shenandoah Avenue NW
- Gainsboro Road NW
- Williamson Road NW
- Bullitt Avenue SE
- Brandon Avenue SW
- Franklin Road SW
These roads have a history of flooding and should be avoided during the storm.
Flood Warning System Resources
Residents should stay informed through several key resources:
- Flood Watches and Warnings: Issued by the National Weather Service and broadcasted on local TV and radio stations. A Flood Watch means conditions are right for flooding, while a Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent.
- Emergency Alert System (EAS): Issues alerts over radio, TV, and cable channels.
- Government Access Channel 3: Interrupts local cable channels on Cox and Booth systems to broadcast emergency information.
- RoCo Alert Citizen Alert System: Provides real-time emergency alerts to residents.
- Virginia Flood Observation and Warning Network: Monitors stream flow and flooding conditions across the state.
Flood Safety Tips
- Do Not Drive Through Flooded Areas: Even shallow water can be life-threatening.
- Prepare Your Home: Clear gutters and move valuables to higher ground if you are in a flood-prone area.
- Stay Informed: Keep up with local news and weather alerts, and sign up for RoCo Alert for timely updates.
How to Prepare
Residents in low-lying areas should have an emergency kit ready, including essentials such as water, food, medications, and important documents. It’s also wise to have an evacuation plan in case waters rise quickly.
For more detailed information on flood preparedness and the latest updates on road closures, visit the City of Roanoke’s Flood Warnings page.
Residents are encouraged to take these warnings seriously and prepare accordingly to ensure their safety during this period of heavy rainfall.
The Flood of 1985 in Roanoke, VA: A Look Back
In November 1985, Roanoke, VA, faced one of its most devastating natural disasters when the remnants of Hurricane Juan, coupled with an additional storm system, caused extreme flooding in the area. Over the course of the event, the Roanoke River crested at 23.35 feet, significantly above flood stage, leading to widespread destruction. The city received between 6 and 12 inches of rain in just a few days, overwhelming the already saturated ground and causing the river to overflow.
Impact and Aftermath The flood resulted in the loss of 10 lives and caused massive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Rescue operations were extensive, with helicopters and boats being used to save over 300 people trapped by the rising waters. The economic toll was substantial, with damages estimated in the hundreds of millions.
In the aftermath, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiated the Roanoke River Flood Reduction Project to prevent future occurrences. This project involved widening and deepening the river channel, building levees, and improving stormwater management systems. These measures have significantly reduced the risk of similar flooding in the future.
Photos and Memories Photographs from the flood, many captured by local photographer Tommy Firebaugh, are a poignant reminder of the event. These images were showcased in exhibits at the O. Winston Link Museum and other venues, allowing the community to reflect on the disaster and the resilience that followed. For those interested in viewing these photos, the Roanoke History & O. Winston Link Museums offer access to this visual history. Additionally, unseen photos and memories of the flood are shared on the Vinton Voice and through various online exhibits that detail the event’s impact.
For more in-depth stories and images, you can also visit local news outlets like WDBJ7 and WSLS, which have covered the flood extensively over the years.
Flood Kit – Be Prepared
A flood kit should contain items that are essential to you. Preparing one in advance will save time in the event of a flood, however some items such as medication and mobile phones may have to be gathered later when a flood warning is issued. A flood kit should be packed into a sturdy bag, such as a rucksack and stored in an easy to find place. Here are some suggestions of what to put in your flood kit:
- A copy of your flood plan.
- Torch/Flashlight
- Spare Batteries
- A Multitool With A Knife Included
- Important documents, for example insurance documents, passports etc
- Warm and waterproof clothing.
- Medication
- Spare keys
- First aid kit
Share your memories as a comment below if you recall the Flood of ’85 in Roanoke. Are you concerned about the current flood warning, or do you think it’s being overhyped? We’d love to hear your thoughts! 🌧💬