Much-needed precipitation causes flooding

By Bernard Baker
and Denice Thibodeau
Published: August 27, 2008

UPDATE: Thursday, 10:11 a.m.,

Remnants of Tropical Storm Fay brought much need rain to the Danville area - and put a big dent in drought conditions.
The immediate Danville area saw 5-7 inches of rain, according to the National Weather Service Blacksburg. The weather service reports the Dan River at Paces is going down. Minor flooding is due in South Boston.
Amounts dropped off in western Pittsylvania County to the 3-5 inch ran, but jumped to the 5-7 inch range in eastern Pittsylvania County.
Western Halifax saw rain totals in the 5-7 inch category, but it dropped off the more you headed to the east.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Torrential rains hit Southside on Wednesday, flooding many streets throughout the region.

The National Weather Service reports that the heavy rains are remnants of Tropical Storm Fay, which arrived Tuesday and will continue to drench the Dan River Region throughout the day today.

Flooded streets in Danville included Riverside Drive, West Main Street, River Street and the Jefferson Street area.

Early in the day, Danville Emergency Services Director Doug Young warned residents to expect heavy rain throughout the day, but added that the solid soaking rain is needed in the area.

He also warned residents in low-lying areas to keep an eye on flood-prone streams throughout the day.

“Today and tomorrow, if you live near creeks that normally flood, take in items that could wash away,” Young said Wednesday. “I would take items out of the basement if your basement floods. Be aware of sudden rises in creeks and streams — be ready to react if the water should come up.”

At 5 p.m., WSLS Storm Team 10 meteorologist Jeff Haniewich said the rain was going to continue.

“Danville has gotten around 4 to 6 inches of rain thus far,” Haniewich said. “But more is coming.”

Another 1 to 3 inches was predicted by the National Weather Service.

In Pittsylvania County, White Ridge Road near Sutherlin and Hillside Road near Ringgold flooded and were closed.

In Reidsville, N.C., police reported that several streets, including Harrison Street, were closed temporarily due to flooding.

A spokeswoman with the Upper Piedmont Research Station in Rockingham County, N.C., said that 3 1/2 inches of rain had fallen on the area by Wednesday morning.

Showers are expected throughout the day today with thunderstorms in the afternoon. The National Weather Service predicts showers and thunderstorms will continue on Friday and Saturday.

Haniewich said any rain that falls in the area this weekend will not be connected to Fay, but likely another wet weather front.

• Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7987.

•  Contact Denice Thibodeau at or (434) 791-7985.