The synoptic setup for this event featured an upper level ridge over the central U.S. with several strong short-waves topping the ridge and dropping southeast across the Ohio Valley toward the central Appalachians. Satellite imagery showed a deep tap of tropical moisture into West Virginia and a strengthening upper level jet providing additional lift. A warm front was located just north of the area and became a focus for convection in the early morning hours of the 23rd. During the late morning to early afternoon convection continued to train across the same general area of southeast WV and far western VA with hourly rainfall rates of 1.50 to 2 for several hours.
Radar and rain gauge measurements showed as much as 4 to 8 inches (perhaps higher locally) fell in a band across central Alleghany County. The bulk of the rain fell in less than 12 hours between 600 AM and 600 PM EDT. The Governor of Virginia declared a state of emergency in the City of Covington and Alleghany County.
The phenomenal runoff from creeks, streams and overland flow produced an extreme hydrologic response on larger rivers including the Jackson River. The river gage at Covington (CVGV2) rose over 10 feet in 5 hours to reach Flood Stage (17 feet) for the first time since September 2004 (during the remains of Hurricane Jeanne).  A River Flood Warning (FLW) was issued at 609 PM as the river was near 15 feet and the crest was only 4.5 hours later at 22.33 feet just below the Major Flood Stage of 23 feet. This was highest stage reached at the Covington gage since the November 1985 flood (23.31 feet) and 2nd highest since the construction of Gathright Dam in 1979. Gathright Dam was built to reduce flooding on the Jackson River but so much rain fell in the watershed below the dam that flooding still occurred at Covington. Numerous homes and several businesses in Covington suffered severe flood damage from the Jackson River.  At the same time Dunlap Creek (DLPV2), which drains 162 mi2 of western Alleghany County and empties into the Jackson River in Covington was also rising at an extreme rate, climbing from a stage of around 3 feet (445 cfs) at 200 PM to a record stage of 16.49 feet (30,300 cfs) in a little over 6 hours.  The previous record at this gage was 15.65 feet (27,400 cfs) set in June 1972 with the remains of Hurricane Agnes. Hydrological peak stage records at this gage date back to 1929. According to USGS flood frequency reports this flood was likely in excess of a 200-year (0.005 AEP) event on Dunlap Creek. There was extensive flooding along Dunlap Creek with roads and homes flooded and some requiring evacuations. Flooding continued downstream and a few hours later a River Flood Warning was issued for the upper James River including the forecast points at Lick Run (LIRV2) and Buchanan (BNNV2) both of which easily reached flood stage. At Lick Run the crest of 22.84 feet was the 10th highest on record (continuous records since 1925) and the highest since January 1996 (25.03 feet).  Per USGS data the 48,000 cfs discharge at Lick Run was roughly a 10-year (.10 AEP) flood event. At Buchanan the 42,900 cfs was merely somewhere between a 2- to 5-year event (0.5 to 0.2 AEP).

Flash Flood in CAMPBELL, VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 19:00:00 to 23-JUN-16 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: TIMBERLAKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Flash flooding due the heavy rainfall was reported along a portion of Timberlake Road near Forest. The nearby Lynchburg Airport ASOS (LYH) climate site reported 3.54 inches for June 23rd which was a new record for the date. The old record was 1.73 inches set in 1967. It was also the 2nd wettest June day on record at Lynchburg with data back to 1893.

Flash Flood in CAMPBELL, VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 14:24:00 to 23-JUN-16 15:24:00 (EST-5)
Location: RUSTBURG
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Water was estimated to be 12 inches deep and flowing across Calohan Road (Route 685).

Flash Flood in COVINGTON (C), VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 13:30:00 to 23-JUN-16 23:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: COVINGTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 3.00M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Urban flooding was first reported from the City of Covington around 145 PM EDT (1245 EST) as two flood-prone underpasses were flooded. More serious flooding began around 230 PM EDT (130 PM EST) with numerous roads closed and eventually homes flooded. There was one boat rescue in Covington of a family trapped in a home with rising water. The rapidly rising Jackson River caused much of the flood damage in the city with up to 60 homes seriously damaged. A concrete plant lost $1.2 million in equipment and VDOT estimated $50 thousand in road damages within the city. There were also at least three landslides reported in the city.

Flash Flood in BOTETOURT, VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 15:47:00 to 23-JUN-16 18:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: GALA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Roaring Run was reported to be across parts of Route 621.

Flash Flood in BATH, VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 16:20:00 to 23-JUN-16 19:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOT SPGS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported up to 8 inches of water flowing down Main Street and affecting at least two businesses.

Flash Flood in ALLEGHANY, VIRGINIA
From 23-JUN-16 13:15:00 to 23-JUN-16 23:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: JERRYS RUN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 6.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Flash flooding was first reported in Alleghany County at 215 PM EDT (115 PM EST) as Indian Draft Road (Route 600) was closed. Numerous additional reports and social media reports continued to be received through the afternoon. Numerous small streams flooded including Wilson Creek which overflowed Route 629 (Douthat Park Road). The most serious flooding was along Dunlap Creek with runs through the southwestern portions of the county joining the Jackson River just north of Covington. More than 25 homes were badly damaged in the county most of them along Dunlap Creek which set a new flood of record (see Episode for details). Water was reported over Route 60 from Dunlap Creek in several areas. Two water rescues by boat were performed and several landslides were reported including one that was reported to have closed Pitzer Ridge Road (Route 657) east of Route 18. Three Botetourt County firefighters were injured during flood rescue operations.