Roads flooded across Central Virginia as storms keep dropping rain on region

Before the outer bands of Hurricane Helene brought several inches of rain to Central Virginia, local creeks and rivers were already primed for near-record flooding due to previous rainfall. 

The Charlottesville area received between 2 and 6 inches of rain in the past 72 hours, with up to 2 more inches expected by 2 p.m. Tuesday.

With so many roads flooded or washed out, the Virginia Department of Transportation is advising motorists to check its 511 website before any and all travel.

The National Weather Service has extended a flood watch until 7:30 a.m. Tuesday for the city of Charlottesville and surrounding Albemarle County. Hazardous weather is forecast for nearby Augusta, Greene, Nelson and Orange counties. Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms Monday afternoon and evening could lead to dangerous road conditions at night.

A flood warning is in effect for the Rivanna River around Palmyra in Fluvanna County through Wednesday morning. As of Monday morning, the river’s water level was recorded at 13.8 feet, and it was expected to rise above the flood stage of 17 feet by late Monday. Forecasts predict the Rivanna will crest at 18.4 feet by early Tuesday afternoon.

Mint Springs Valley Park in Crozet was heavily affected by flooding. The roadway for the park’s entrance is completely washed away by the water. Albemarle County says the park is closed until further notice. Park officials say repairs to the park will depend on when the water levels go down.

In Waynesboro, Public Works is asking residents to conserve water. The Shenandoah Village Drive water booster station flooded, compromising the electrical controls. Trafford McRae, director of Waynesboro Public Works, said said they are hoping to have everything up and running Tuesday morning.

Roads and bridges have been closed for various reasons, including high water, flooding, downed trees, downed power lines, washouts and mudslides. Closed roads in Central Virginia include:

Albemarle County

■ Carrsbrook Drive at North Indian Spring Road.

■ Durrett Ridge at Advance Mills Road.

■ Whippoorwill Road between Cardinal Ridge Road and Garth Road.

■ Browns Gap Turnpike from Three Notch’d Road to Old Three Notch’d Road.

■ Bearwood Road from White Hall Road to Browns Gap Turnpike.

■ Greenwood Station Road at Green Hill Lane.

■ Shelton Mill Road at Mechum View Drive.

■ Plank Road between Miller School Road and Edge Valley Road.

■ Plank Road from old Lynchburg Road to Alberene Road.

■ Burchs Creek Road from Miller School Road to Dick Woods Road.

■ Craigs Store Road from White Mountain Road to Castle Rock Road.

■ Blenheim Road is closed from Glendower Road to Secretarys Road.

■ Albevanna Spring Road from Pat Dennis Road to the Fluvanna County line, including Briery Creek Road, Briery Farm Road and Meadows Spring Lane.

Greene County

■ Mutton Hollow Road from Matties Run Road to Spotswood Trail.

■ Octonia Road at South River Road.

■ Entry Run Road at Taylor Mountain Road.

■ Durrett Ridge Road. 

Madison County

■ Elly Road between Oak Park Road and Larkins Mill Lane.

■ Hughes River Road between FT Valley Road and the Rappahannock County line, including South FT Valley Road and Nethers Road.

■ Emmett Road from Etlan Road to Champe Plain Road.

Nelson County

■ Davidson Drive from Cove Valley Lane to Faber Road.

■ Starvale Lane between Stagebridge Road and Faber Road.

■ Rockfish River Road between Rock Spring Road and Farrar Bridge Lane.

■ Mill Pond Road from Laurel Road to the Albemarle County line, including Faber Road and Johnson Purvis Lane.

■ Howardsville Turnpike between Mount Alto Road and Rockfish River Road, including Wolf Mountain Lane.

Orange County

■ Greenwood Road from Constitution Highway to Spicers Mill Road.