Stacy Shaw
- Photo of Broad Run flooded along Linton Hall Road and Sudley Manor Drive during a 2012 storm.
Updated: April 30, 1:30 p.m. The National Weather Service has extended the Flood Warning until 4:15 p.m.
Updated: April 30, 12:25 p.m. Fire & Rescue crews were called to perform swift water rescues of three stalled cars in the area of Jiffy Lube Live early Wednesday afternoon. Police warn of serious traffic delays on Wellington Road.
Original Story: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for the area until 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. A Flash Flood Watch is also still in effect until Thursday. The Prince William County Police report a number of road closures and warnings due to high water in Prince William County. These include:
- Wellington Rd/Cellar Door Drive - High water/passable
- Aden Rd/Hershey Drive - High water/passable
- Linton Hall Road/Glenkirk Road - High water/passable
- Featherbed Lane/Sudley Road - Road closed/signs posted
- Sudley Road/Lee Highway - Road closed//signs posted
According the the NWS, showers and possible thunderstorms are forecasted for today, which could produce heavy rainfall. Virginia counties and cities affected by Flood Warnings include Prince William, City of Manassas, Manassas Park, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Culpepper and Orange County. "With a total of one to three inches having fallen within the last three hours, streams continue to rise and flooding of numerous small streams in the area is likely to begin soon. If it has not already," NWS said. The
Virginia Department of Emergency Management is asking that people act cautiously in cases of flooding. "Flooding is the nation's most common natural disaster, but not all floods are alike," the state agency said. A spokesperson for the agency suggested that motorists do not drive through flooded areas, and pedestrians do not walk through moving water. Flooding may cut off access to roads, so people should decide to stay put until flooding recedes or call the police for help. In case of home flooding, the VADEM suggests moving to higher ground and being prepared to evacuate. "If feasible, construct barriers to stop floodwater from entering the building," a spokesperson said. As the western Prince William area is adjacent to man runs and creeks, residents should be advised to not walk along nature paths and avoid low land areas and areas most likely to flood. They should tell their children to avoid those areas when playing outside, or keep children inside. Flash flooding, in which water rushes suddenly, is also a threat in low lining areas and around streams and creeks. According to NWS, "A flood warning means that flooding is imminent or has been reported. Stream rises will be slow. However, all necessary parties should take necessary precautions immediately." NWS is also warning drivers of the dangers on roads. "Most flood deaths occur in automobiles. Never drive your vehicle into areas where water covers roadways," NWS said.
