Sunday Evening Update
As of 6 p.m. Sunday evening, this Weather Authority Alert Day has been cleared.
Sunday Morning Update
The heaviest rainfall arrives during the morning, and we may end up with clearer skies by the evening.
We shift into a wind risk later in the day, with gusts likely to approach 60 MPH.
Several flood and wind alerts remain in effect, and will not expire until tomorrow.
Saturday Evening Update
Anywhere from 1-3″ of rainfall has accumulated over the past 24 hours in the viewing area. This rapid rainfall accumulation, along with significant snow and ice melting, has brought about flash flooding.
Nearly the entirety of the viewing area, barring some counties in the Southside Zone, are included in a Flash Flood Warning of Flash Flood Watch until 10:45 or 11:30PM tonight.
Unfortunately, we aren’t done yet with the rainfall. A cold front will bring another line of showers from 5AM-12PM on Sunday. This will stress areas that are already flooded and ground that is already saturated.
After rain leaves the area Sunday afternoon, we will be dry both Monday and Tuesday before winter weather arrives on Wednesday.
Saturday Morning Update
Rain begins today in the late morning, and intensifies around lunchtime. These significant rainfall rates combined with snowmelt will create a significant flood risk west of I-81.
Round 2 of rain arrives tomorrow morning around 8 AM. That system will arrive as a result of a fast moving cold front, meaning winds will be pretty gusty at times as well.
We could see rainfall totals of 1-2″ across the region, which combined with melting snow and ice, increases flood risks, particularly within bodies of water and urban areas.
Friday Afternoon Update
The Flood Watch has been extended to include the NRV and Roanoke Valley this weekend. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for areas along and west of the Parkway from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday because of the freezing rain threat. We shouldn’t see more than 0.1″ of ice in most areas.
After a crippling winter storm, we will see the long term effects of snowmelt as soon as tomorrow.
Rounds of rain coming through the area will produce an inch or 2 of rainfall this weekend, which will lead to elevated water levels along rivers, creeks, and streams.
Urban areas and areas with poor drainage could also see additional flash flooding.
The fact that the ground is already saturated, combined with melting snow and ice, creates a situation where small amounts of rain could have significant effects.
