Richmond, VA – Heavy rain has triggered a dangerous flash flood warning for much of Virginia, threatening travel and prompting urgent safety alerts through 5 p.m. Thursday. Residents are urged to stay off the roads and seek higher ground immediately as rising water can quickly turn streets deadly.
According to the National Weather Service, the flash flood warning covers central and eastern Virginia, including Richmond, Petersburg, and communities along the James and Appomattox rivers. Local and state agencies stress that most flood-related deaths happen in vehicles, and even six inches of water can knock a person off their feet or sweep a car away.
In Henrico, Chesterfield, and Prince George counties, multiple roads are already reporting standing water. Virginia State Police and the Department of Transportation urge drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways. Stay informed by monitoring @NWSWakefieldVA and reporting flooding where you see it…