Flash Flood — Smyth, Virginia

2024-09-27 · near Marion, Smyth, Virginia

Event narrative

The Smyth County 911 Center reported that Staley Creek had risen significantly out of its banks, and was flooding across surrounding roads and properties. Nearly five inches of rain had fallen during the 24 hour period ending at 12 pm EDT on the 26th, causing Staley Creek to rise to bank full conditions. Heavier rain falling during the afternoon caused the creek to rise quickly out of its banks. Some homes along the creek were reported surrounded by the flood waters. A van became stalled on Highway 16 near the community of Marion in the flood waters. A Swift Water Rescue Team assisted multiple people to safety during the incident.

Wider weather episode

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.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (36.8253, -81.5061)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1219062. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.