Hurricane Florence made landfall on the far southeast North Carolina coast on September 14th and tracked very slowly across South Carolina before slowly re-curving across far western North Carolina and southwest Virginia as Tropical Depression and on into the Ohio Valley. Multiple incidents of strong winds, flash flooding and flooding occurred with Florence. The following counties were included in a subsequent Presidential Disaster Declaration: Botetourt, Franklin, Halifax, City of Martinsville, Patrick, and Pittsylvania. Several more counties were still working through the validation process: Charlotte, Craig, and City of Danville. The first rainfall of any significance reached southern Virginia on the 15th  with about 1 to 3 inches falling by 12z (700 AM) on the 16th. Much heavier rainfall began to spread further northward during the afternoon and evening of the 16th prompting numerous Flash Flood Warnings and causing significant flood impacts.  The highest observed rain amounts in Virginia within the HSA were over parts of southwest Floyd and northwest Patrick counties with over 8 inches in 24 hours (ending at 700 AM on the 17th) and 9 to 10 inches storm total. Willis 2.7 SE CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-6) had 9.59 inches in the 72-hour period ending 700 AM on the 18th.

Strong Wind in CARROLL, VIRGINIA
From 14-SEP-18 09:55:00 to 17-SEP-18 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Strong winds combined with saturated ground knocked over multiple trees, most noticeably in the areas of Cana and Lambsburg Mountain. A tree also fell on a car on Paul's Creek Road, but the driver was not injured.

Flood in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 07:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPENCER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The North Mayo River near Spencer (NMRV2) crested above the Minor flood stage of 8 feet, reaching 9.31 feet (5590 cfs) near midday on the 17th. It was the highest stage since January 25, 2010 (10.95 ft.) and according to USGS studies it was approximately a 5-year event (.20 annual chance flood).

Flood in CARROLL, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRAYSON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Gambetta Road at the New River Trail was flooded by Chestnut Creek. The stream gage on Chestnut Creek upstream crested about two feet over flood stage.

Strong Wind in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 14-SEP-18 14:18:00 to 17-SEP-18 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Strong winds and saturated ground caused multiple trees to fall. One tree that fell over Northside Drive in Martinsville caused a three vehicle accident that shut down the road for two hours.

Strong Wind in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 14-SEP-18 14:18:00 to 17-SEP-18 03:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused an estimated ten trees to fall, mainly on the night of Sunday the 16th.

Heavy Rain in FLOYD, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 16-SEP-18 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WILLIS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Willis 2.7 SE CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-6) measured 7.78 inches for the 24 hours ending 0700 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (7.63-9.31 inches) for a 25-year average recurrence interval (.04 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.

Flash Flood in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 14:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PULASKI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 131.82K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Pulaski County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time and spatial occurrence was based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.

Flood in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 07:45:00 to 18-SEP-18 04:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALLISONIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The New River at Allisonia (ALSV2) rose very rapidly and crested in the Moderate flood category at 11.52 feet (60900 cfs) mid-afternoon of the 17th. It was the highest stage since the January 31, 2013 flood (12.91 ft.) and was approximately a 5-year flood event (.20 annual chance event) per USGS studies. Several roads close to the river were flooded and closed including Clarks Ferry Road and Julia Simpkins Road.

Heavy Rain in FLOYD, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 05:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COPPER HILL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Copper Hill 6.2 S CoCoRaHS (VA-FL-2) measured 7.10 inches for the 24 hours ending 0600 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (6.66-8.07 inches) for a 50-year average recurrence interval (.02 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.

Heavy Rain in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 08:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MEADOWS OF DAN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: CoCoRaHS

Meadows of Dan 2.3 E CoCoRaHS (VA-PR-5) measured 7.60 inches for the 24 hours ending 0800 local time on the 17th. This value falls into the 90 percent confidence interval (7.01-8.37 inches) for a 25-year average recurrence interval (.04 annual exceedance probability) per NOAA Atlas 2.

Flood in WYTHE, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 08:10:00 to 17-SEP-18 19:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: IVANHOE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The New River at Ivanhoe (IVNV2) rose very rapidly and crested at 18.02 feet (44400 cfs) late morning of the 17th. It was the highest stage since the January 31, 2013 flood (19.66 ft.) and the 8th highest since gage records began in 1931.  It was approximately a 10-year flood event (.10 annual chance event) per USGS studies. Shady River Drive in Ivanhoe near the gage was flooded.

Flood in SALEM (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 08:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 21:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALEM (C)
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Roanoke River IFLOWS gage at Salem Pump Station (SPSV2) rose above the minor flood stage of 7 feet on the morning of the 17th and crested at 10.1 feet. The Mill Lane bridge was closed and flooding occurred along portions of Riverside Drive.

Flash Flood in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 01:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 03:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: KIBLER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 465.62K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Patrick County was declared a Major Disaster under the Presidential Declaration. Calls to 911 dispatch about flooding began shortly 1250 AM EST with water reported near some homes Riverside Drive along Poorhouse Creek in Stuart. At the same time water was also over the road on portions of  Jeb Stuart Highway (Route 58) just north of Stuart. Several other roads were later reported closed with up to 1.5 feet of water flowing across Jacks Creek Road. The river gage on the Smith River near Woolwine (SMWV2) gage showed a rise in less than six hours to a crest of 12.35 feet, Minor flood stage is 9 feet and Moderate flood stage 11 feet. This was the 2nd highest reading at this gage since data started there in 1995 and was roughly a 5-10 year annual recurrence interval (0.20 to 0.10 annual exceedance probability).

Strong Wind in GRAYSON, VIRGINIA
From 15-SEP-18 23:50:00 to 16-SEP-18 22:10:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 2.50K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused multiple trees to come down across the county, but mainly noted in the Baywood area.

Strong Wind in BUCKINGHAM, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 00:55:00 to 17-SEP-18 04:15:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 1.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Strong winds combined with saturated ground knocked over a couple of trees. One tree fell at the intersection of South Constitution Route and Self Road, and the other fell at intersection of Sharon Church and Betties Branch Roads. Both trees caused some impact to travel.

Strong Wind in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 12:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 01:30:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 10.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Strong winds caused multiple power lines to come down on Norfolk Street and the Southern Main Rail Line.

Strong Wind in FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 12:56:00 to 17-SEP-18 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Magnitude: 35.00 EG
Property damage: 20.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Strong winds combined with saturated ground caused many trees to fall down, taking out power lines and creating road closures. By 3 PM Monday, 320 customers within the county were still without power.

Flash Flood in FLOYD, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 23:15:00 to 17-SEP-18 12:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALUM RIDGE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 28.90K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous roads were closed across Floyd County with the first report along Thunderstruck Road. Other reports of roads flooded and closed included Woods Gap Road, Franklin Pike, Poor Farm Road, Shooting Creek Road, Twin Falls Road, Spring Dale Road, and Spangler Mill Road. The road at Spangler Mill was reported damaged. County officials urged people in about 300 households in floodplains to evacuate. National Guard units rescued one person from a vehicle stranded in a flooded roadway around 500 AM local time.

Flash Flood in CHARLOTTE, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 10:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 16:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RED OAK
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 23.31K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Charlotte County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. A report was received of 10 to 12 inches of water flowing over Route 631 from Tanyard Branch. Bluestone Creek also spilled out of its banks and flooded a portion of Route 92. Sunnyside Road was also closed due to flooding from a nearby stream. Runoff per the CREST Hydrologic model was highest in far eastern parts of the county.

Heavy Rain in CHARLOTTE, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 18-SEP-18 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: KEYSVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP site at Keysville 2 S (KYSV2) measured 3.91 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 18th. This was the 3rd highest daily rainfall recorded in September at this station since records began in 1979 (with a break from 2012-2014) and 9th highest in any month.

Lightning in CHARLOTTE, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 14:05:00 to 17-SEP-18 14:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHARLOTTE COURT HOUS
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Lightning struck a student at Central Middle School while washing their hands in an art classroom. Reports indicate the student was released from the hospital that evening.

Flash Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 11:33:00 to 17-SEP-18 17:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: CRYSTAL HILL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 430.63K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Halifax County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant flood damage to roads and other structures.  There were several flash flood reports across the county with roads closed across Halifax County including Highway 119 near the VA-NC state line, Railroad Avenue in South Boston and Summit Drive in South Boston.

Flash Flood in BUCKINGHAM, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 23:10:00 to 18-SEP-18 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: CENTENARY
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Rock Island Creek exceeded its banks by almost five feet in depth. Water was also reported over several roads in the county.

Flash Flood in BUCKINGHAM, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 20:32:00 to 17-SEP-18 23:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: WINGINA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Flash flooding closed Sycamore Creek Road (3200 Block) as water was flowing across the road.

Flood in RADFORD (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 20:30:00 to 18-SEP-18 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RADFORD
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The New River at Radford (RDFV2) crested at 16.30 feet, just over Moderate flood stage of 16 feet very early on the 18th. The peak discharge of 59,800 cfs was very close to a 5-year event (.20 annual chance flood).

Flood in GRAYSON, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 11:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 21:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERSIDE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The New River at Galax (GAXV2) crested at 10.04 feet (Minor flood stage is 9 ft.), which was the 11th highest stage on record (records back to 1930) and highest stage since November 19, 2003 (11.0 ft.), excluding the ice jam flood of January 2010. According to USGS  this was slightly in excess of a 5-year flood (.20 annual chance) at this is gage.

Flood in DANVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 10:40:00 to 19-SEP-18 12:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The river gage at Danville (DVLV2) the crested at 22.96 (32,300 cfs) well above the Moderate flood stage of 20.5 feet and very close to a 10-year event (0.10 Annual chance flood) per USGS data.

Flood in ROANOKE (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 11:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 18:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROANOKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

A 53-year old woman was reported to have drowned in the Roanoke River during flooding from Florence although details were lacking in terms of location and timing. The Roanoke River at Roanoke (RONV2) crested at 11.41 feet (10,200 cfs) around mid-day on the 17th. Minor flood stage is 10 feet. Several low water bridges and the Roanoke Greenway were flooded and closed. This was the highest stage since September 30, 2015 and was roughly a 2- to 5-year flood event (0.5 - 0.2 annual chance flood).

Flash Flood in ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 04:01:00 to 17-SEP-18 07:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: AIRPORT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 355.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Roanoke County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures.  Route 744E from Bottom Creek Road to Bent Mountain Road was closed due to a  washout. Radar estimated 4 to 6 inches of rain over the southwest part of the county in the 24- hours ending 1200z (700 AM local time) and several IFLOWS rain gages had 4+ inches including 4.40 inches at Witt's Orchard (WITV2) and 4.21 inches at Poor Mtn. (POOV2). The areal extent of flooding was adjusted per runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.

Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 12:00:00 to 20-SEP-18 03:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: PACES
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Dan River at Paces (PCEV2) flooded into the Moderate category (24 ft.) cresting at 25.74 feet (32900 cfs) early on the 19th. At least one road was flooded and closed, Route 658 (Melon Road). The flooding was just below a 10-year event (0.10 annual chance flood) per USGS data.

Flood in GALAX (C), VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 23:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 07:52:00 (EST-5)
Location: GALAX
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The stream gage on Chestnut Creek at Galax (CCKV2) crested at 9.05 feet (4310 cfs) in the early morning hours of the 17th. Minor flood stage is 7 feet. Several roads were closed, including Chestnut Drive at this stage. This was the highest stage since June, 2013  (9.30 ft.) at this gage and was close to a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual chance) per USGS information.

Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 07:15:00 to 20-SEP-18 19:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH BOSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Dan River at South Boston (SBNV2) flooded above the Moderate flood stage category (25 ft.), cresting at 27.06 feet (33,800 cfs) on the 20th. Several roads were closed and businesses along Route 501 in the Riverdale area were affected. Wolftrap Road was also flooded east of the airport.

Flood in FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 14:20:00 to 16-SEP-18 15:20:00 (EST-5)
Location: ROCKY MT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Powder Mill Creek flooded a portion of School Board Road behind the Sheetz in Rocky Mount.

Flash Flood in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 06:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 09:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.27M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Pittsylvania County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant flood damage to roads and other structures. The time and spatial occurrence was based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. This indicated that the flash flooding was worst across the eastern parts of the county.

Flash Flood in HENRY, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 01:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SPENCER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 431.08K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Henry County was part of Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. There were nearly a dozen calls to the county 911 for flooding, including several road washouts and motorists trapped in a flooded vehicle. Residents of Blackberry Mobile Home Park also reported flooding. The time of occurrence is based on reports and the time of highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.

Flash Flood in MARTINSVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 00:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 02:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARTINSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 78.91K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Martinsville City was included as part of the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model.

Flash Flood in FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 01:30:00 to 17-SEP-18 05:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ENDICOTT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Franklin County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the western parts of the county.

Flood in CRAIG, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 05:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SIMMONSVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 9.65K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Craig County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with some damage to roads and other structures although the amount of rain and runoff was coniserably lower than areas to the southwest. Radar estimated 1 to 1.75 inches fell across the southwest part of the county.

Flash Flood in BOTETOURT, VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 05:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: WEBSTER
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 230.33K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Botetourt County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence and spatial extent of flooding is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the southern parts of the county.

Flash Flood in DANVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 17-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 08:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 21.56K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Danville City was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with some damage to roads and other structures. The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the eastern part of the city. Danville ASOS (DAN) had 2.09 inches of rain on the 17th. the 3rd highest ever for the date with data back to 1916.

Flash Flood in GRAYSON, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 23:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: INDEPENDENCE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 34.04K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Emergency Manager

Grayson County was included in the Presidential Major Disaster declaration with significant damage to roads and other structures. The automated ran gage at Galax (GAXV2) measured 3.23 inches in the 24-hours ending 1200z (700 AM local time). The time of occurrence is based on the highest runoff from the CREST hydrologic model. Flash flooding was worst across the southeastern parts of the county.

Heavy Rain in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STUART
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP site at Stuart (STUV2) measured 4.49 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 17th. This was the 4th highest daily rainfall in September with nearly complete climate date back to 1923. The record is 6.03 inches set September 28, 2004.

Heavy Rain in FLOYD, VIRGINIA
From 16-SEP-18 06:00:00 to 17-SEP-18 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: COPPER HILL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The COOP station at Copper Hill (COHV2) measured 4.61 inches for the 24 hours ending at 700 AM local time on the 17th. This was the 6th highest recorded in the month of September with nearly complete rainfall records extending back to 1940.