Flash Flood in Smyth County, Virginia

Intensifying rainfall rates resulted in several creeks rising several feet out of their banks within the community of Sugar Grove. Reports were received that more than one mobile home became flooded, forcing the residents to evacuate to higher ground. Around 5 inches of rain had fallen in the 24 hours ending 12 pm on the 26th when heavier rain entered the area from the south.

An upper level low was situated in the vicinity of western Tennessee, while a strong upper ridge was positioned over the southeast coast, which helped to steer Hurricane Helene into the Florida Big Bend during the evening of September 26. Ahead of Helene, the Predecessor Rainfall Event (PRE) that developed on the 25th continued to intensify as upper level areas of low pressure rotating around the upper low continued drawing deep tropical moisture from the Carolina coastal region, which supported nearly continual waves of showers and storms over western Virginia through the day. Through the 26th, rivers and creeks began to rise as four to eight inches of rain fell through the day mainly along and west of Interstate 77. At times, localized rates of two inches per hour were observed. In addition, as Hurricane Helene approached the area, winds above the surface increased in speed, and the showers and isolated storms helped bring these strong winds to the surface, resulting in reports of downed trees.