Flash Flood — Staunton (c), Virginia

2003-08-08 · near Staunton, Staunton (c), Virginia

Event narrative

Significant flooding was reported in Staunton after a very heavy downpour.

Wider weather episode

A thunderstorm with very heavy rainfall moved through the Staunton area on the evening of the 8th. A spotter recorded 2.5 inches of rain on the west side of Staunton in only one hour. An unconfirmed report said up to 5 inches was recorded downtown by the end of the storm. Several city streets and 55 businesses were flooded by up to 4 feet of water. Lewis Creek overflowed into the central business district near Central Avenue and the Wharf, causing water to rush into buildings and vehicles. The water reached waist-level on some of the roads. A downtown parking garage sustained significant damage after the rushing water washed away some of the concrete floor of the structure. In addition to the downtown businesses, up to 70 homes were flooded. Around 25 homes sustained serious water damage, including 3 which sustained significant structural damage. One home was condemned after the rushing water tore down a brick basement wall. Some of the worst flooding was on N. Lewis Street and Churchville Avenue where residents reported seeing hot tubs, trash bins and logs floating down the street. Nearby Gypsy Hill Park was also damaged by flooding. In addition, Route 254 just west of town was underwater.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5337276. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.