November 19, 2009

The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for urban areas and small streams in Albemarle County and Charlottesville. It's been extended to 4:15 pm Thursday. A flood watch is in effect until 7:00 pm in Central Virginia.

At 10:11 am radar indicated heavy rain across Albemarle County. Flooding was reported in Charlottesville at Millmont Street and University Avenue.

One to two inches of rain has already fallen in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Additional localized amounts of one to two inches of rain will be possible through 4:15 pm.

Crozet and Free Union will also get heavy rain.

A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Stream rises will be slow, and flash flooding is not expected. However, people should take necessary precautions:

Do not attempt to cross water covered bridges or low water crossings. Never try to cross a flowing stream, even a small one, on foot.

The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for portions of Central Virginia including: Albemarle, Greene, King George, Nelson, Orange, Madison, and Spotsylvania.

Locally heavy rainfall can be expected associated with showers and isolated thunderstorms.