(Danville, Va.) — The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Warning for the Danville area through 1 a.m. 4-to-6 inches of rain is expected in Southside Virginia today with heavy downpours continuing. A Tornado Watch is also in effect.
According to the National Weather Service, Tropical Storm Michael presents a number of threats to the area, including flash flooding, river flooding, debris flows, gusty winds of 30 mph that could result in localized power outages, and isolated tornadoes.
On Friday, the rain will end and winds will diminish, but the Dan River in Danville is expected to reach near major flood stage. The National Weather Service has issued a river flood warning that is effective from 1:05 a.m. Friday to 11:56 p.m. Saturday.
The latest projection shows the Dan River cresting in Danville at 24.7 feet around noon Friday. The river level is currently at 7.77 feet. It reaches moderate flood stage at 20.5 feet and major flood stage at 25.5 feet.
The Public Works Department has set up water pumps on River Street to keep the street open, and it has loaded barricades on trucks to deploy if street closures are necessary.
To assist in preparations by residents in flood prone areas, the Public Works Department is providing sand for public use. The sand will be available at the following locations:
• The recycling area at South Boston Road and Halifax Road.
• The empty lot at corner of Main Street and Memorial Drive.
Sand bags are not being provided.
The saturated ground could produce localized power outages. Danville Utilities crews are on standby and prepared to work 16-hour shifts if necessary.
The Parks and Recreation Department anticipates it will be necessary to close Anglers Park later today due to flooding. Warning signs of likely flooding are in place at other areas of the Riverwalk Trail. Sections will be closed as needed.
Residents and visitors are urged to monitor weather developments and pay attention to the river flood warning that has been issued and any warnings if issued for flash flooding and tornadoes.
The Danville Utilities 24-hour emergency number is (434) 773-8300.