A deep upper-level trough moved slowly across the central and eastern U.S. drawing abundant moisture northward. At the same time, a complex frontal boundary with several waves of low pressure brought repeated rounds of heavy rainfall to the region. Rainfall totals for the 72-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 7th ranged from 2 to 6 inches with isolated higher amounts mainly along the Blue Ridge Mountains, but most of the rain fell within a 48-hour period. Numerous NWS Cooperative stations recorded all time one-day February rainfall amounts ending on the morning of February 6th and/or the 7th, and numerous two-day February records were also set. Some flash flooding occurred early in the the event as higher rates of rainfall were embedded within the overall rain pattern. Numerous rivers and streams flooded, some reaching crests mainly in the 5- to 10-year flood recurrence interval and many roads were flooded. A state of emergency was declared by the Virginia Governor for several counties in southwest Virginia due to the flooding, including Tazewell and Smyth counties. Flooding was most severe along the Clinch River and tributaries in Richlands, VA where a Flash Flood Emergency was issued in consultation with local officials.

Flash Flood in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 14:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 20:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: JAVA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

Several roads were reported to have been flooded due to the heavy rainfall and runoff.

Heavy Rain in PITTSYLVANIA, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHATHAM
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Chatham (CHMV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.95 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.61 inches on Feb. 14, 1984 (complete data since 1923). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 4.80 inches for the period ending 700 AM on the 7th, breaking the previous February record of 3.15 inches set Feb. 25-26, 1979.

Heavy Rain in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: STUART
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Stuart (STUV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.40 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.82 inches on Feb. 19, 1927 (nearly complete data since 1923).

Heavy Rain in GALAX (C), VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: GALAX
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Galax (GALV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.48 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.96 inches on Feb. 23, 2003 (data since 2000).

Flood in SMYTH, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 15:45:00 to 07-FEB-20 04:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALLISON GAP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The North Fork Holston River at Saltville (SALV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 10 feet, cresting at 11.37 feet on the evening of February 6th. This was the highest stage since November, 2003 (15.46 ft.) and 13th highest on record with data back to 1921.  The peak discharge of 10,600 cfs was between a 5-year and 10-year flood event (0.20 and 0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads were closed by flooding in the Saltville area.

Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 07-FEB-20 05:00:00 to 10-FEB-20 02:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BARKSDALE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Dan River at Paces (PCEV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 29 feet, cresting at 29.75 feet in the late evening of February 8th. This was the 6th highest stage at this gaging site since continuous records began in 1951 and including the August 1940 flood. Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 51,000 cfs was estimated to be slightly above the 25-year flood event (0.04 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.  Route 658 was flooded and closed by the river.

Heavy Rain in SMYTH, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SALTVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Saltville 1 N (SLTV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.10 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February record was 2.08 inches on Feb. 21, 1897 (sporadic data since 1895). This station also set a date record the following day, for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 2.00 inches, breaking the old record of 1.82 inches set in 2019. The two-day total of 4.10 inches was also a February record for the site, breaking the previous two-day high of 3.04 inches in 1897.

Flood in CAMPBELL, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 22:15:00 to 08-FEB-20 01:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROOKNEAL
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Roanoke (Staunton) River at Brookneal (BROV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 27 feet, cresting at 27.41 feet early the morning of February 7th. This was the highest stage since January, 2010 (28.24 ft.). The peak discharge of 34,200 cfs was only slightly above a 2-year flood event (0.50 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

Heavy Rain in MARTINSVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: MARTINSVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Martinsville (MARV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.31 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.65 inches on Feb. 23, 1984 (nearly complete data since 1931). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 4.36 inches, breaking the previous record of 3.32 inches set Feb. 25-26, 1979.

Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 07-FEB-20 00:45:00 to 10-FEB-20 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH BOSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 95.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Dan River at South Boston (SBNV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 29 feet, cresting at 30.56 feet on the morning of February 9th. This was the 8th highest stage at this gaging site since records began in 1924, although there are breaks in the period of record. Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 47,300 cfs was estimated to be near the 10-year flood event (0.04 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads around South Boston were flooded and businesses in the Riverdale area flooded.

Flood in WYTHE, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 09:15:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: KENT
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Several roads were closed including Fairview Church Road, flooded by the South Fork of Reed Creek and Millers Creek Road from Millers Creek.  The USGS gage on Reed Creek at Grahams Forge (GRHV2) crested just over flood stage (6.5 ft.) at 6.60 feet early on February 7th. The peak flow of 6,500 cfs was approximately a 5-year flood event (0.20 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads in the Meadows area are flooded at this stage.

Heavy Rain in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHLANDS
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Richlands (RCLV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.38 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February record was 2.05 inches on Feb. 11, 2018 (complete data since 1990). This station also set a date record for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 1.05 inches, breaking the old record of 0.90 inches set in 2019. The two-day total of 3.43 inches ending on the 7th was also a February record for the site, beating the previous record of 2.99 inches set the day before, February 6, 2020 and previously in 2018 at 2.59 inches.

Flood in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 15:30:00 to 07-FEB-20 09:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: NARROWS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Wolf Creek near Narrows (WOLV2) exceeded it's Minor flood stage of 10 feet, cresting at 11.72 feet the evening of February 6th, and flooding portions several roads near Narrows. The peak discharge of 10,400 cfs was approximately a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

Heavy Rain in CHARLOTTE, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: KEYSVILLE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Keysville 2 S (KYSV2) set a February daily rainfall record of 2.56 inches for the 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.53 inches February 7, 2004. The 2-day total of 2.85 inches was a February record for 2-days, breaking the old record of 1.95 inches set February 17-18, 1998. Nearly complete station data exists back to 1980.

Flood in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 08:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 13:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RAVEN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 1.85M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The greatest flood impacts occurred along the Clinch River in Tazewell County, VA where the Richlands gage (RLRV2) crested at 14.33 feet (6205 cfs) which was the 9th highest on record and the highest stage since November, 2003 (14.65 ft.). This was above the Moderate flood stage of 13 feet but below Major flood stage of 16 feet. The USGS report cited above indicates approximately a 10-year (0.1 AEP) flood frequency for this event, yet flooding along lowland areas was extensive from Cedar Bluff downstream through Richlands and into the Doran and Raven communities.  News reports mentioned water up to four feet deep in parts of Richlands. There were numerous evacuations conducted and homes and businesses flooded along with numerous roads flooded and some damaged. Preliminary damages for Tazewell County estimated at around $1.65 million by VDEM. This included $273,000 in damage to public property, $573,0000 in residential damage and $808,000 to commercial property. An additional $200,000 in road damage was reported by VDOT.

Heavy Rain in DANVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 00:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 00:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: (KDAN)DANVILLE REGIONAL AIRPORT
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: ASOS

The Danville Airport ASOS (DAN) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.18 inches for the 24-hour period ending at midnight on February 7th. The previous February daily record was 2.98 inches on Feb. 14, 1984. The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 3.40 inches, breaking the previous record set just the previous day (Feb 6th, 2020) of 3.38 inches. This broke a record from Feb. 25-26, 1979 at 3.01 inches. Official records (ThreadEx) at Danville date back to April, 1916.

Flash Flood in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 09:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 15:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RICHLANDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Numerous streets were flooded in Richlands due to urban runoff and and rapidly rising waters from the Clinch River and other streams especially Big Creek.

Flood in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 07-FEB-20 01:15:00 to 08-FEB-20 02:15:00 (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) flooded into the Minor flood category (8 feet) and cresting at 10.47 feet midday on February 7th.  The peak discharge of 51,600 cfs was approximately a 5-year flood event (.20 annual exceedance probability) per USGS studies. Several roads close to the river were flooded and closed including Clarks Ferry Road and Julia Simpkins Road.

Flood in RADFORD (C), VIRGINIA
From 07-FEB-20 10:30:00 to 07-FEB-20 23:30:00 (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 14.74 feet, over the Minor flood stage of 14 feet on the afternoon of the 7th. The peak discharge of 52,300 cfs was between a 2- and 5-year event (0.50 to 0.20 annual exceedance probability) per USGS studies. Some parking lots at Radford University were closed.

Flood in FRANKLIN, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 17:31:00 to 07-FEB-20 23:31:00 (EST-5)
Location: WAIDSBORO
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Water was reported flowing over Ruritan Road from Story Creek.

Heavy Rain in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: RIVERDALE
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at South Boston (SOBV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 2.32 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 1.76 inches on Feb. 17, 1990 (complete data since 1981).

Flood in BLAND, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 15:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 06:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BASTIAN
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Social Media

Several streams were out of banks and roads covered by flood waters.

Flood in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 11:30:00 to 06-FEB-20 17:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: PULASKI
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Peak Creek was reported to be flooding a portion of Route 640 and in several other locations around Pulaski. The IFLOWS stream gage on Peak Creek (PCRV2) crested at 7.90 feet, just below the Flood Stage of 8 feet.

Flood in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 12:15:00 to 07-FEB-20 02:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: YARDS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Bluestone River at Falls Mills (BRVV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 7 feet, cresting at 7.93 feet early the evening of February 6th. This was the highest stage since March, 2010 (8.54 ft.) and 5th highest on record with data back to 2005 and a period from 1981-1996. The peak discharge of 1,370 cfs was only 2-year flood event (0.50 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

Flash Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 12:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 18:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SOUTH BOSTON
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Poplar Creek, a tributary of the Dan River, was flooding Summit Drive near the intersection of Railroad Avenue.

Heavy Rain in PATRICK, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: KIBLER
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Meadows of Dan (MODV2) set a date rainfall record of 3.33 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous date record was 2.27 inches on Feb. 23, 1984 (nearly complete data since 1951). The station also set a two-day February rainfall record with 5.41 inches for the period ending 700 AM on the 7th, breaking the previous February record of 4.42 inches set Feb. 17-18, 1966.

Heavy Rain in PULASKI, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: PULASKI
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Pulaski 2 E (PSKV2) set a date rainfall record of 1.75 inches for the 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 6th. The previous record for the date was 1.27 inches in 2010. The station set another date record in the ensuing 24-hour period ending at 700 AM on the 7th, with 1.70 inches, breaking the previous record of 1.33 inches in 2004. The 2-day total of 3.45 inches was a February record for 2-days, breaking the old record of 3.41 inches set February 27-28, 1987. Nearly complete station data exists back to 1941, with some additional records back to 1920.

Flood in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 09:54:00 to 06-FEB-20 15:54:00 (EST-5)
Location: PEMBROKE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

US 460 was reported closed due to a washout near Pembroke.

Flood in SMYTH, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 09:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 21:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALLISON GAP
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

Heavy rains over a two-day period caused flooding with up to 50 roads closed or impassable across the county, including in the communities of Rural Retreat, Sugar Grove and Saltville.

Flood in GILES, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 19:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 14:15:00 (EST-5)
Location: MOUNTAIN VIEW
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

Walker Creek near Bane (BANV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 11 feet, cresting at 12.71 feet near midnight on February 7th, and flooding portions of Rye Hollow Road and Route 42. The peak discharge of 10,600 cfs was between and 2 and 5-year flood event (0.50 and 0.20 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies.

Heavy Rain in TAZEWELL, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BURKES GARDEN
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Burkes Garden (BURV2) set a date rainfall record of 1.86 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 6th. The previous February 6th record was 1.608 inches in 2010 (nearly complete data since 1896). This station also set a date record the following day, for the 24-hours ending 700 AM on the 7th of 1.70 inches, breaking the old record of 1.18 inches set in 1965. The two-day total of 3.56 inches was a February record for the site, breaking the previous two-day high of 3.55 inches set in 1897.

Flood in HALIFAX, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 23:15:00 to 07-FEB-20 17:45:00 (EST-5)
Location: NEALS CORNERS
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Roanoke (Staunton) River near Randolph (RNDV2) exceeded Minor flood stage of 24 feet last on the 6th and crested at 27.41 feet feet on the morning of February 7th, flooding portions several roads including Black Walnut Road.

Flood in DANVILLE (C), VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 17:30:00 to 09-FEB-20 04:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: DANVILLE
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: River/Stream Gage

The Dan River at Danville (DVLV2) exceeded Moderate flood stage of 26 feet, cresting at 27.22 feet on the morning of February 8th. This was the 3rd highest stage at the current gaging site since the remains of Hurricane Fran in September 1996 (28.65 ft.) and Hurricane Michael in October, 2018 (30.01 ft.). Flood stage categories on the Dan River were adjusted upward by several feet in May 2019. The peak discharge from this flood of 43,000 cfs was estimated to be slightly in excess of a 10-year flood event (0.10 annual exceedance probability) according to USGS studies. Several roads were closed by flooding in the Danville area with cars stranded. There was also a large mudslie that closed Memorial Avenue in Danville.

Flood in WYTHE, VIRGINIA
From 06-FEB-20 16:00:00 to 06-FEB-20 22:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: FAVONIA
Flood cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: 911 Call Center

A portion of Stoney Fork Road was flooded from Stoney Creek.

Heavy Rain in CAMPBELL, VIRGINIA
From 05-FEB-20 07:00:00 to 07-FEB-20 07:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: BROOKNEAL
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

The NWS Cooperative station at Brookneal (BRKV2) set a daily February rainfall record of 3.06 inches for the 24-hour period ending 700 AM EST on February 7th. The previous February record was 2.32 inches on Feb. 25, 1979 (nearly complete data since 1951).  The two-day total of 3.43 inches was the 2nd highest in February, just shy of of the record two-day high of 3.45 inches Feb. 25-26, 1979.