Melanie, as Joe just said, flooding is the major concern for the rest of the day, and we would have been better with snow than the heavy rain we are currently getting. Currently, the counties shaded in red are under a flood warning, and that includes Roanoke for both stream flooding, and River flooding along the Roanoke River, which is expected to crest about 3 to 4 feet above Flood Stage, and is already over it's banks. The Dan River, especially at South Boston and Paces, will create moderate to serious flooding. At South Boston, the River will reach 28 feet late Friday. On the radar loop, we see bands of heavy continuing to move up from the south as this slow moving storm funnels heavy moisture into the region.
Rain is likely continue through the evening hours, and taper off gradually tomorrow.
Coming up I'll have an update on flooding, and your complete forecast. The threat of a major snowstorm has given way to the prospect of significant flooding in western Virginia. Joe Dashiell has been checking the creeks and streams in our area today. Melanie, the Roanoke River was expected to reach flood stage at the Walnut Street Guage around noon. Along Tinker Creek in Roanoke County, Chuck Walton was moving equipment out of harm's way, and hoping for the best.