RICHMOND, Va. -- Slow-moving storms that produced torrential downpours prompted a Flash Flood Warning for Richmond as well as Chesterfield and Hanover counties Wednesday afternoon into evening.
Photos posted by Richmond firefighters show just how quickly conditions can change.
In fact, a photo taken around 4:30 p.m. at East 31st and Maury streets on Richmond's Southside showed cars surrounded by rising waters as strong storms dumped inches of rain. Another photo taken just 50 minutes later showed how quickly the water had receded.
"These photos... should give you some perspective on the impact of tonight’s flash floods in the City of Richmond," firefighters said.
🚨 50 MINUTES APART: These photos from East 31st Street & Maury Street should give you some perspective on the impact of tonight’s flash floods in the City of Richmond. The first photo was taken around 4:30 p.m. as strong storms started to roll through the area. pic.twitter.com/4eVpEeS9Hm
— Richmond Fire Department (@RFDVA) June 9, 2021
CBS 6 Chief Meteorologist Zach Daniel said many roads were becoming impassable around 5 p.m.
"DO NOT drive where water covers the road!" Daniel wrote. "This is a dangerous situation..."
"Around 1 inch of rain has fallen in Downtown Richmond. 2 to 3 inches of rain have fallen near Route 228 from Midlothian to Interstate-95 in Chesterfield County," National Weather Service officials said at 4:45 p.m.
Officials said additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches were possible.
The Flash Flood Warning was in effect until 7:45 p.m.
Daniel said Richmond International Airport recorded 1.36” from the deluge. But some areas on the Southside saw as much as 4” of rain.
Flash Flood Warning now in effect until 7:45 PM. DO NOT drive where water covers the road! This is a dangerous situation with many roads becoming impassable. pic.twitter.com/IHcPS4U0oL
— Zach Daniel (@ZachDanielCBS6) June 9, 2021
Additionally, a Flood Advisory was in effect for Henrico County until 8:15 p.m.
"Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 1.5 inches are expected over the area through 7 p.m. This additional rain will result in minor flooding," weather officials said.
A Flood Advisory was also issued for parts of Essex, Richmond, Lancaster and Northumberland counties until 10 p.m.
"Additional rain will result in minor flooding," weather officials warned. "Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding."
Current #RVA metro radar #RVA #VAwx pic.twitter.com/WcWrXrhxKU
— Mike Stone (@MikeStoneCBS6) June 9, 2021
The severe risk was low, but meteorologists warned isolated storms could have some strong gusts.
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