The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch because of the potential dam failure of the Lake Powhatan Dam in Pulaski County.
They say the rain we've been experiencing is expected to continue through Sunday morning, this has caused the ground to become fully saturated.
The NWS says the Flash Flood Watch will be in effect through Sunday morning.
According to Pulaski County Emergency Services, the dam at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation in Southwest Pulaski County has developed an issue with the outflow pipe. That issue could cause the pipe to fail if the heavy rainfall continues or the pipe gets clogged.
If the dam fails, the flash flooding would happen near Big Macks Creek. The floodwater would flow down to the New River.
They say the flooding would affect Max Creek Road, and Eanes Ferry Road, near Julia Simpkins Road, including all of the low water crossings entering the Scout Reservation.
It would also affect the homes in Macks Creek Village.
Remember: Turn around, don't drown!
Flash Flood Watch
Flood Watch
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
1237 PM EST Sat Feb 23 2019
...POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE OF LAKE POWHATAN DAM IN PULASKI COUNTY
VIRGINIA...
...Widespread Rainfall Expected to Continue through
Early Sunday...
.A very wet weather pattern will remain in place across the
forecast area through early Sunday. Low pressure to our south and
high pressure to our north will keep a focused area of rain
streaming across the region from the west and southwest today and
tonight. A strong cold front will finally sweep through the area
Sunday and bring an end to the several day rain event. Periods of
moderate rain are likely today and tonight until the cold front
moves through the forecast area. The ground is totally saturated
throughout the forecast area as a result of recent rain and snow
melt. Many rivers are already at or above bankful and some will
experience minor flooding over the next few days, including
portions of the Dan, James, and Roanoke Rivers. Remain alert for
Flood Advisories, Flood Warnings, and River Flood Warnings that
may be issued today and Sunday.
VAZ013-240145-
/O.NEW.KRNK.FF.A.0001.190223T1737Z-190224T1700Z/
/O.CON.KRNK.FA.A.0002.000000T0000Z-190224T1200Z/
/00000.0.DM.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Pulaski-
Including the cities of Radford and Pulaski
1237 PM EST Sat Feb 23 2019
...FLASH FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING FOR
POTENTIAL DAM FAILURE...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY MORNING...
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a
* Flash Flood Watch for a portion of southwest Virginia,
including the following area, Pulaski.
* Through Sunday morning
* Pulaski County Emergency Services reported that the Lake
Powhatan Dam at the Blue Ridge Scout Reservation in Southeast
Pulaski County had developed a problem with the outflow pipe.
This may cause the dam to fail if excessive heavy rainfall
occurs, or the pipe becomes clogged.
* If the dam fails, flash flooding would occur along Big Macks
Creek, which would flow downstream to the New River. This would
affect Max Creek Road, and Eanes Ferry Road, near Julia Simpkins
Road...including all of the low water crossings entering the
Scout Reservation. This would impact the homes of Macks Creek
Village.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flash Flood Watch means that conditions may develop that lead
to flash flooding. Flash flooding is a VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Remember...TURN AROUND...DON`T DROWN!
You should monitor later forecasts and be prepared to take action
should Flash Flood Warnings be issued.
&&
The Flood Watch continues for
* A portion of southwest Virginia, including the following area,
Pulaski.
* Through Sunday morning
* Widespread nearly continuous light rain with periods of
moderate rainfall likely. Rainfall totals of 2 inches are
expected through Sunday, with locally higher amounts possible.
* Flooding of low-lying, poor drainage, and normally flood prone
areas. Small creeks and streams will be subject to flooding as
well as larger mainstem rivers.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
A Flood Watch means there is a potential for flooding based on
current forecasts and existing soil conditions.
You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible
Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be
prepared to take action should flooding develop.
&&