A strong cold front propelled by a deep upper trough that took on a negative tilt, pushed through the region on April 15 producing severe weather and heavy rainfall. The speed of convective elements prevented any flash flooding but longer duration flooding occurred on several rivers and streams, mainly in the minor category. Rainfall ranged from 2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts up to nearly 4.5 inches in 24-hours ending at 7 AM on the 16th. The highest amounts were roughly a 5-year recurrence interval (0.2 Annual exceedance probability).

Heavy Rain in BUENA VISTA (C), VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUENA VISTA
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Buena Vista (BUVV2) measured 2.55 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the 3rd highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1938.

Heavy Rain in BATH, VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: HOT SPGS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Hot Springs (HSPV2) measured 3.50 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the 2nd highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1893.

Flood in BOTETOURT, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 09:00:00 to 17-APR-18 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: LICK RUN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The James River flooded through Botetourt County with the gauge at Lick Run (LIRV2) cresting above Minor flood stage (16 feet) on the afternoon of April 16th at a stage of 17.24 ft. The James River at Buchanan (BNNV2) also crested just above Minor flood stage (17 ft.) reaching 18.07 ft. Several roads close to the river were closed.

Flood in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 02:00:00 to 16-APR-18 12:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CEDAR BLUFF
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Clinch River at Richlands (RLRV2) crested at 10.62 feet just over Minor flood stage of 10 ft.

Flood in ROCKBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 15:31:00 to 16-APR-18 19:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: GOSHEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Calfpasture River at Goshen (GOHV2) crested at 12.29 feet (Minor Flood Stage ��� 12 ft.) which was the highest observed in seven years at this gage (since April 17, 2011 at 13.59 ft.).

Flood in ALLEGHANY, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 16:35:00 to 17-APR-18 10:40:00 (EST-5)
Location: IRON GATE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Cowpasture River near Clifton Forge (COWV2) flooded, reaching a stage of 13.80 feet (Minor flood stage - 10 ft.) early on the 17th. This was the highest level in over 20 years at this gauge--since a 14.39 ft. crest on January 8, 1998. USGS and FEMA data suggest a return interval of approximately 10 years (0.1 Annual Exceedance Probability or AEP) for the flooding on the Cowpasture.

Flood in ROCKBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 11:16:00 to 17-APR-18 01:08:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKBRIDGE BATHS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Maury River at Rockbridge Baths (ROBV2) gauge reached 10.40 feet (Minor flood stage ��� 9 ft.) which was the highest level since April, 2011 at this site. Several roads were flooded.

Flood in BATH, VIRGINIA
From 16-APR-18 03:45:00 to 17-APR-18 16:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: BACOVA JCT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Jackson River near Bacova (BCVV2) gauge crested at 12.29 feet (Minor flood stage - 10 ft.) the highest since March 2, 2007. USGS frequency data showed this was close to a 5-year return (0.2 AEP) period.

Heavy Rain in ROCKBRIDGE, VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BALCONY FALLS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Glasgow 1 SE (GLAV2) measured 2.92 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the 6th highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1967.

Heavy Rain in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PULASKI
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Pulaski (PSKV2) measured 2.74 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the 3rd highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1940.

Heavy Rain in ALLEGHANY, VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CLIFFDALE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Gathright Dam (GDMV2) measured 2.80 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the 3rd highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1981.

Heavy Rain in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 15-APR-18 07:00:00 to 16-APR-18 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BANE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Staffordsville (STFV2) measured 2.81 inches for the 24-hour period ending 7AM on the 16th. This was the highest 1-day April rainfall total in the period of record at this location, with data starting in 1951.