Flooding to Start off the New Year

A stalled frontal boundary combined with unseasonably high levels of atmospheric moisture to bring widespread heavy rainfall to much of southside Virginia into the northwest piedmont of North Carolina from late December 31 through the early morning hours of January 1. Total rainfall amounts ranged from 1 to 3 inches in many areas, with locally higher amounts in excess of 4 inches. Due to antecedent wet conditions across much of the region, the majority of this rain (which fell over a short period of about 3 hours) ran off into local creeks and streams, producing some flooding. However, this water quickly progressed into the Dan River, causing rapid rises at Danville, where the river swelled to just one tenth of a foot below major flood stage. Downstream at both Paces and South Boston, the river also crested at moderate flood stage. Below are some pictures of the Dan River taken Thursday afternoon as the river was cresting at South Boston, and just past crest at Paces.

Total rainfall amounts, incorporating radar estimates and rain gages.
Click any image for a larger view.

Dan River at Highway 58 west of Delila, where the left bank was flooded.

Dan River near Paces on Highway 658 where water came very close to the road.

 

First picture shows water over Stebbing Road (Highway 691). Second picture is River Road (Highway 659) under water.

 

First two pictures show water over Railroad Rd. in South Boston. All others are views of the South Boston area, including flooded Highway 501.

Pictures taken by Peter Corrigan and Phil Hysell.