Unseasonably warm air, with afternoon temperatures reaching into the 60s and low 70s, and a surge of moisture from the Gulf of Mexico interacted with a slow moving cold front during the afternoon and evening hours of January 30th, resulting in strong low-topped showers and thunderstorms and widespread heavy rainfall. Despite weak CAPE associated with the frontal passage, low level wind shear was in excess of 60 knots across the region, which produced  lines of showers, often with strong winds but little to no lightning. Precipitable water values were observed to be in the 1.0 to 1.5 inch range, which is extremely high for January across the Appalachians and the nearby Piedmont region. To add to the flooding threat, ground conditions were already saturated from recent rain and snow during the days and weeks preceding the event.
Severe weather caused power outages across portions of southwest and central Virginia, with one of the highest concentrations of power outages occurring in Pulaski County, where nearly 1250 homes and businesses were without power during the evening of January 30th. The Virginia Department of Transportation reported as many as 35 roads were closed across mainly southwest Virginia due to flooding or flooding-related problems, and that clean up costs associated with flooding, landslides and debris flow was between 1.5 and 2 million dollars.
The following is a list of total rainfall amounts, in inches, across western and central Virginia:
- Alleghany County -
2.48   4 E Covington CCR,
2.22   Gathright Dam COOP,
2.10   Covington FP COOP,
2.00   Rich Patch IFLOWS,
1.96   Dunlap Creek Near Covington.
- Amherst County -
4.10   Pedlar Dam COOP.
- Appomattox County -
1.11   Appomattox COOP.
- Bath County -
3.16   Cassidy Bridge IFLOWS,
3.05   Lime Kiln RAWS,
2.76   Mill Creek,
2.64   Trappers Lodge IFLOWS,
2.36   Jordon Top IFLOWS,
2.32   Pump Storage IFLOWS,
2.31   Gathright Dam DCP,
2.30   Williamsville,
2.23   Hot Springs COOP,
2.20   Douthat State Park IFLOWS,
1.88   BaCreek Creek DCP at Sunrise,
1.40   JaCreekson River Near Bacova,
1.08   Ingalls Field Airport.
- Bedford County -
3.26   Holcomb RoCreek COOP,
3.07   Bedford COOP,
2.17   4 WSW Moneta CCR.
- Bland County -
1.49   Bland DCP.
- Botetourt County -
4.35   Apple Orchard IFLOWS,
4.15   Lithia IFLOWS,
3.64   Troutville IFLOWS,
3.36   Glade Creek IFLOWS,
3.00   Carvin Creek IFLOWS,
2.96   Buchanan,
2.83   Sloan Branch IFLOWS,
2.76   Daleville IFLOWS/USGS,
2.48   Tinker Creek IFLOWS,
2.16   North Fork IFLOWS,
2.12   Oriskany IFLOWS.
- Buckingham County -
1.10   Buckingham COOP.
- City of Roanoke -
4.14   Roanoke River at STP IFLOWS,
4.03   Roanoke,
3.11   Lower N. Lakes IFLOWS,
1.80   Montclair IFLOWS.
- Carroll County -
3.99   6 N Galax CCR,
3.32   Woodlawn IFLOWS,
2.40   Twin County Airport.
- Charlotte County -
1.03   Charlotte Courthouse COOP.
- Craig County -
2.72   Johns Creek/RTE 311 IFLOWS,
2.64   Simmonsville IFLOWS,
2.64   Abbott IFLOWS,
2.52   Potts Mountain IFLOWS,
1.88   Craig Creek/RTE 614 IFLOWS,
1.76   Upper Johns Creek IFLOWS,
1.67   Craig Valley RAWS.
- Floyd County -
4.45   Willis COOP,
4.32   8 ENE Floyd CCR,
4.31   Willis DCP,
3.40   Copper Hill IFLOWS,
3.16   Mountain View Church IFLOWS.
- Franklin County -
4.23   Adney Gap IFLOWS,
3.71   Simmonds Gap IFLOWS,
3.22   Maggodee Creek IFLOWS,
2.46   6 E Boones Mill CCR,
2.44   Route 640/Pigg River IFLOWS,
2.24   Rocky Mount/Pigg River IFLOWS,
1.80   Rocky Mount COOP,
1.60   Gills Creek N.F. IFLOWS,
1.44   Ferrum IFLOWS,
1.16   Blackwater IFLOWS.
- Giles County -
2.48   North Fork IFLOWS,
2.47   Spruce Run IFLOWS,
1.64   W Pearisburg CCR,
1.44   Dismal IFLOWS,
1.08   Butt Mountain IFLOWS.
- Grayson County -
4.17   2 E Independence CCR,
3.45   1 S Independence CCR,
3.02   Galax,
2.48   Jones Knob IFLOWS,
2.28   Bethel IFLOWS,
2.08   Troutdale DCP,
1.84   Fairwood IFLOWS,
1.80   Whitetop Mountain IFLOWS,
1.76   Grayson Highland IFLOWS.
- Halifax County -
1.09   South Boston COOP.
- Henry County -
1.84   Prilliman IFLOWS,
1.76   Providence Church IFLOWS,
1.55   Chestnut knob IFLOWS,
1.35   Marrowbone Reservoir IFLOWS,
1.31   Philpott Dam,
1.24   Blackberry Creek RG IFLOWS,
1.12   Meadows Church IFLOWS,
1.03   Martinsville Hydro-Electric IFLOWS.
- Montgomery County -
4.83   Lafayette COOP,
3.32   Shawsville SG/IFLOWS,
3.08   Ironto IFLOWS,
3.00   Lafayette SG/IFLOWS,
3.00   Falling branch IFLOWS,
2.77   Christiansburg COOP,
2.71   Brush Mountain IFLOWS,
2.40   Blacksburg IFLOWS,
2.12   Blacksburg NWS,
1.76   Poor Mountain IFLOWS,
1.14   VA Tech Airport.
- Nelson County -
4.00   Montebello Fish Nursery.
- Patrick County -
3.83   Circle M IFLOWS,
3.80   Slate Mountain IFLOWS,
3.76   Raven Rock Church IFLOWS,
3.16   Meadows of Dan COOP,
2.87   Central Academy IFLOWS,
2.57   Woolwine COOP,
2.44   Samuel Grove Church IFLOWS,
2.28   Willow Hill Church IFLOWS,
2.24   Doe Run Church IFLOWS,
2.12   Trot Valley IFLOWS,
2.12   Dry Pond IFLOWS,
1.91   Stuart COOP,
1.16   Critz IFLOWS.
- Pittsylvania County -
1.06   Chatham COOP.
- Pulaski County -
1.99   Radford COOP,
1.96   Caseknife Station IFLOWS,
1.80   Peak Creek IFLOWS,
1.74   Radford,
1.68   NRV Airport IFLOWS,
1.49   Pulaski COOP,
1.20   Cove Mountain IFLOWS.
- Roanoke County -
4.63   Tinker Creek S. IFLOWS SG/RG,
3.60   Witt's Orchard IFLOWS,
3.32   Sugarloaf Mountain IFLOWS,
3.20   Crawfords Ridge IFLOWS,
3.15   Salem Pump Station IFLOWS,
3.08   Peters Creek IFLOWS,
2.96   Mill Mountain IFLOWS,
2.92   Fort Lewis Mountain IFLOWS,
2.65   Roanoke Airport (ASOS),
2.39   Mason Creek IFLOWS,
2.36   Roanoke COOP,
2.34   Niagara River Gage,
1.32   Mason Cove IFLOWS.
- Rockbridge County -
3.55   Glasgow 1 SE COOP,
3.04   Calfpasture River Above Mill Creek at Goshen,
3.00   Buena Vista COOP,
2.88   Glasgow IFLOWS SG/RG,
2.56   Lexington IFLOWS/COOP,
2.23   Vesuvius IFLOWS,
1.52   Rockbridge Baths.
- Smyth County -
2.48   Little Brushy IFLOWS,
2.25   Saltville COOP,
2.08   mf Holston River at Seven Mile Ford IFLOWS/USGS,
1.99   Saltville Precip (TVA),
1.96   Walker House IFLOWS,
1.76   Nebo IFLOWS,
1.44   Camp IFLOWS,
1.44   Empire Airport IFLOWS,
1.32   Marion TVA RG,
1.16   Mount Rogers IFLOWS.
- Tazewell County -
3.20   Springville IFLOWS,
2.11   Richlands Precip (TVA),
2.10   Burkes Garden COOP,
2.04   Christmas Tree Hill IFLOWS,
2.00   Cumberland Heights IFLOWS,
2.00   Whitaker Ridge IFLOWS,
1.96   Bluestone IFLOWS,
1.92   East River Mountain IFLOWS,
1.88   Jewell Ridge IFLOWS,
1.76   Stony Ridge IFLOWS,
1.76   Gratton IFLOWS,
1.11   Tazewell Rain Gage (TVA).
- Wythe County -
1.80   Wytheville IFLOWS,
1.80   Sand Mountain IFLOWS,
1.56   Cedar Springs IFLOWS,
1.36   Stony Fork USFS RAWS,
1.32   Walker Lookout IFLOWS,
1.12   Crawfish Valley IFLOWS.

Flash Flood in ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 21:00:00 to 30-JAN-13 23:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CAVE SPG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Six inches of water was observed flowing across Cravens Creek Road near Deyerle Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 21:30:00 to 30-JAN-13 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: WHITMELL
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds on Clearview Drive.

Thunderstorm Wind in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 21:50:00 to 30-JAN-13 21:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENTUCK
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Thunderstorm winds blew a tree down on Rocksprings Road.

Flash Flood in ROCKBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 22:00:00 to 31-JAN-13 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STEWARDSBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple locations along Long Hollow Road just north of the community of Buena Vista were experiencing flash flooding, including eight to twelve inches of water flowing over the road near the intersection with Catalpa Road.

Flash Flood in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 22:25:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALLEGHANY SPG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Official NWS Observations

The south fork of Roanoke River reached flood stage due to widespread heavy rainfall.

Flood in CARROLL, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 22:00:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BYLLESBY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.50M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Utility Company

Several, if not all, of the wooden flash boards at the Byllesby/Buck Dams were damaged or washed away due to flooding on the New River. In addition, turbines were damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 21:50:00 to 30-JAN-13 21:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANVILLE CITY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 0.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A tree was blown down on Cedar Road.

Flash Flood in BEDFORD, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 22:30:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHADY GROVE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

A portion of Meadowlark Lane was washed out due to flash flooding.

Flash Flood in FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 23:45:00 to 31-JAN-13 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GOGGINSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

Flooding was observed at the intersection of Blue Bend road with Jamestown Road, where a nearby creek flowed out of its banks.

Flash Flood in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 20:00:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: MACK CREEK VLG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A swift water rescue was performed when a creek overflowed its banks, pinning an automobile against trees along Eanes Ferry Road. After the rescue, the driver of the automobile was treated at the scene and released.

Thunderstorm Wind in BEDFORD, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 21:20:00 to 30-JAN-13 21:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUDDLESTON
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Thunderstorm winds blew down several trees in Huddleston.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAYSON, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 15:07:00 to 30-JAN-13 15:07:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUGBY
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Multiple trees were blown down along Highway 58.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 15:40:00 to 30-JAN-13 15:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: DUBLIN
Magnitude: 60.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A 15-foot by 30-foot section of a roof was blown off of one home, while part of a roof was blown off of another home by strong thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 15:41:00 to 30-JAN-13 15:41:00 (EST-5)
Location: DUBLIN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A detached garage was heavily damaged and several trees were blown down in Dublin.

Thunderstorm Wind in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 15:50:00 to 30-JAN-13 15:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAIRLAWN
Magnitude: 70.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

A gustnado caused part of the brick exterior of a commercial building to collapse, exposing the wooden frame and insulation of the building.  Automobiles and rental transport trailors were also tossed around and damaged by strong winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONTGOMERY, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 16:03:00 to 30-JAN-13 16:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: BLACKSBURG
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Storm Chaser

A few five-inch diameter tree limbs were blown down on Virginia Tech Golf Course near Prices Fork Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in BEDFORD, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 17:05:00 to 30-JAN-13 17:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: STEWARTSVILLE
Magnitude: 54.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

This wind gust was measured with home weather station equipment.

Thunderstorm Wind in AMHERST, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 17:48:00 to 30-JAN-13 17:48:00 (EST-5)
Location: PLEASANTVIEW
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 2.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: State Official

A few trees were blown down by thunderstorm winds along the Buffalo Springs Turnpike.

Flash Flood in GRAYSON, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 18:00:00 to 30-JAN-13 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: FRIES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Emergency management in the community of Fries reported that Dalton Creek was flowing out of its banks and across Main Street.

Flash Flood in FLOYD, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 18:30:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COPPER VLY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 20.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: County Official

Several roads were reported closed or washed out in the Indian Valley area due to flash flooding. Flooding occurred on Indian Creek Road, Homestead Road, Horse Ridge Road and Duncans Chapel Road. Two homes were evacuated as flood waters entered the residences.

Flash Flood in ALLEGHANY, VIRGINIA
From 30-JAN-13 18:53:00 to 30-JAN-13 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: POTTS CREEK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Fire Department/Rescue

Eight inches of water was observed flowing across the 8400 block of Potts Creek Road, forcing the road to be closed.