ROANOKE COUNTY, VA — The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a Flash Flood Warning for Roanoke County, the City of Roanoke, and the City of Salem, effective until 1:30 a.m. EDT on Friday, August 9.
As of 5:32 p.m. EDT, Doppler radar detected bands of heavy rain moving through the warned area, with rainfall totals of 2 to 2.5 inches reported over the past few hours. Additional rainfall of 1.5 to 2.5 inches is expected, with rainfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour as the storm continues to move from the east.
Flash flooding is either ongoing or anticipated shortly.
The flash flooding is likely to affect small creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and low-lying locations, including Roanoke, Salem, Vinton, Catawba, Bent Mountain, Cave Spring, and Poages Mill. Specific streams and drainages at risk include Big Bear Rock Branch, Buffalo Creek, Brake Branch, Carvin Creek, and Back Creek.
Residents are advised to exercise extreme caution, especially during nighttime hours when the dangers of flooding are harder to identify.
The public is urged to avoid flooded areas and seek higher ground if necessary.
