
524
WGUS71 KRNK 250220
FFSRNK

Flash Flood Statement
National Weather Service BLACKSBURG VA
1020 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020

VAC067-089-690-251045-
/O.CON.KRNK.FF.W.0019.000000T0000Z-200525T1045Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
City of Martinsville VA-Henry VA-Franklin VA-
1020 PM EDT Sun May 24 2020

...THIS IS A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR HENRY COUNTY...

...THE FLASH FLOOD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 645 AM EDT MONDAY
FOR NORTHWESTERN HENRY AND SOUTH CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTIES AND THE
CITY OF MARTINSVILLE...

At 1004 PM EDT, emergency management reported evacuations in the
Bassett area of Henry County with several homes flooded and what is
now believed to be historic flooding developing.

THIS IS A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY FOR HENRY COUNTY. THIS IS A
PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION.

HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding mainly along the Smith
         River.

SOURCE...Emergency management.

IMPACT...This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER
         GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water
         crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways,
         streets and underpasses.

Flood waters are moving down the Smith River and the river may not
crest for several more hours. Broadcast media showed water over the
top of at least one bridge across the Smith River in the Bassett
area. The Smith River USGS gage at Bassett has reported a stage of
12.5 feet for the past two hours and may be malfunctioning. Henry
County has declared a state of emergency as well due to the flooding.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Move to higher ground now. This is an extremely dangerous and
life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are
fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.

Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the
dangers of flooding.

In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are
potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded
roads. Find an alternate route.

When it is safe to do so, please send your reports of flooding,
including mudslides or flooded roads, to the National Weather Service
by calling toll free at 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Reports and
pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service
Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.

&&

LAT...LON 3664 8006 3679 8007 3679 8005 3680 8004
      3682 8007 3683 8008 3684 8007 3685 8008
      3681 7983 3663 7979

FLASH FLOOD...OBSERVED
FLASH FLOOD DAMAGE THREAT...CATASTROPHIC

$$

PC
