Virginia Environment & Hazard Risk

Large event that began with roads blocked by flooding. Water quickly began encroaching into low-lying structures and residences especially in and near Damascus during late morning, especially along Laurel Creek, which runs through town. Evacuations and water rescues were underway before noon EDT (11 am EST). Laurel Creek rose five feet in an hour, from near 9.75 feet to near 14.75 feet from 10:30 am to 11:30 am EDT (9:30 to 10:30 am EST). Gage was destroyed when its bridge collapsed, but probably after measuring near 17 feet at 12:15 pm EDT (11:15 am EST). The river continued to rise probably another foot or two. Residents continued calling 911 due to flooding of homes and roads through midafternoon, with some of the structures being destroyed. Water rescues continued. There is conjecture that the bridge with the stream gage, located upstream from town, was partially dammed by debris, and when the bridge collapsed, it contributed to a secondary rapid rise in Damascus. A mudslide occurred behind a residence during the early evening. Damaged estimates include $15 million in agriculture, $4 million on destroyed dwellings, $1 million on various expenses, and $100 million to repair...

Numerous trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, many of which fell into fences, structures, and roads, and resulted in several roads being blocked and many power outages. By late morning on Friday, over 10,700 customers were without power in the area. A 65 mph wind gust was recorded approximately four miles west of the town of Rugby at 7:40 AM. Agriculture damage totaled around $60 million across the county, and forestry damage totaled around $15 million. Christmas tree growers lost $281,250 and the dead trees will result in an additional $281,250 annually through 2031. The high winds also caused damage to agriculture structures on several farms. One male passed away after losing his home. Three minor injuries were reported during the storm.

Considerable to catastrophic flash flooding occurred across Grayson County. This included at least 200 bridges or culverts that were completely washed out, making the roads impassible. Five large pipes were washed out in the county: three on Route 783 (Helton Creek Lane) and two on Route 749 (Cabin Creek).

Five helicopters where flipped on their side with propeller and roof damage near Norfolk Naval Air Station. This was likely caused by a gustnado with winds estimated to be between 90 to 95 miles per hour.

Lightning strike caused a deadly fire at the Chesapeake Senior Living Complex. The fire killed three people and injured six others. There were 68 units that were damaged beyond repair.

Trees were downed countywide by high winds associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene, with the greatest concentration of damage in the Saltville area. By 2 PM EDT on Friday, over 12,100 customers were without power throughout the county. Agricultural losses totaled over $18 million, including losses to crops, as well as structure and facility damage.