Flash Flood in Washington County, Virginia

Large event that began with roads blocked by flooding. Water quickly began encroaching into low-lying structures and residences especially in and near Damascus during late morning, especially along Laurel Creek, which runs through town. Evacuations and water rescues were underway before noon EDT (11 am EST). Laurel Creek rose five feet in an hour, from near 9.75 feet to near 14.75 feet from 10:30 am to 11:30 am EDT (9:30 to 10:30 am EST). Gage was destroyed when its bridge collapsed, but probably after measuring near 17 feet at 12:15 pm EDT (11:15 am EST). The river continued to rise probably another foot or two. Residents continued calling 911 due to flooding of homes and roads through midafternoon, with some of the structures being destroyed. Water rescues continued. There is conjecture that the bridge with the stream gage, located upstream from town, was partially dammed by debris, and when the bridge collapsed, it contributed to a secondary rapid rise in Damascus. A mudslide occurred behind a residence during the early evening. Damaged estimates include $15 million in agriculture, $4 million on destroyed dwellings, $1 million on various expenses, and $100 million to repair the famed Creeper Trail.

Tropical Storm Helene caps off a several day heavy rainfall event in association with a stalled closed upper low with additional rain yielding catastrophic flash and river flooding, and significant wind damage as wet soils and strong wind gusts led to forest damage.