Multiple vehicles stranded during Flash Flood Emergency in Colonial Heights and Petersburg, Virginia

Flash floods triggered by heavy rainfall prompted a Flash Flood Emergency for Colonial Heights and Petersburg on July 14, as flooding continued across Central Virginia.

Heavy rainfall has been affecting the region since July 13, leading to widespread flooding in multiple areas, including Prince George and Chesterfield counties.

The Flash Flood Emergency was issued for Colonial Heights and Petersburg at approximately 23:15 local time (LT) on July 14, after 51–76 mm (2–3 inches) of rainfall occurred in less than 2 hours.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned residents of a “life-threatening situation,” forecasted more rainfall going into July 15, and urged them to seek higher ground.

The emergency remained in effect through 07:00 LT on July 15, while multiple areas remained under flash flood warnings.

While no injuries or fatalities have been reported, flooding has stranded numerous motorists since July 13, and prompted road closures as floodwaters submerged roads.

Floodwaters stranded vehicles on Ware Bottom Spring Road in Chesterfield and near the train bridge along the Boulevard in Colonial Heights on July 14.

Emergency services in the affected areas have responded to dozens of calls for assistance from motorists and flood-related incidents since July 13.

Forecasts indicate that scattered storms are likely to continue affecting much of Central Virginia throughout the week.

The NWS has issued a Flash Flood Watch for all areas north of the Virginia–North Carolina border, including central and southeastern Virginia and the Northern Neck area. The Virginia and eastern Maryland shores are also under the watch, which will remain in effect through 00:00 LT on July 15.

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

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