Flood in Tazewell County, Virginia

The greatest flood impacts occurred along the Clinch River in Tazewell County, VA where the Richlands gage (RLRV2) crested at 14.33 feet (6205 cfs) which was the 9th highest on record and the highest stage since November, 2003 (14.65 ft.). This was above the Moderate flood stage of 13 feet but below Major flood stage of 16 feet. The USGS report cited above indicates approximately a 10-year (0.1 AEP) flood frequency for this event, yet flooding along lowland areas was extensive from Cedar Bluff downstream through Richlands and into the Doran and Raven communities. News reports mentioned water up to four feet deep in parts of Richlands. There were numerous evacuations conducted and homes and businesses flooded along with numerous roads flooded and some damaged. Preliminary damages for Tazewell County estimated at around $1.65 million by VDEM. This included $273,000 in damage to public property, $573,0000 in residential damage and $808,000 to commercial property. An additional $200,000 in road damage was reported by VDOT.

A deep upper-level trough moved slowly across the central and eastern U.S. drawing abundant moisture northward. At the same time, a complex frontal boundary with several waves of low pressure brought repeated rounds of heavy rainfall to the region. Rainfall totals for the 72-hour period ending at 700 AM on February 7th ranged from 2 to 6 inches with isolated higher amounts mainly along the Blue Ridge Mountains, but most of the rain fell within a 48-hour period. Numerous NWS Cooperative stations recorded all time one-day February rainfall amounts ending on the morning of February 6th and/or the 7th, and numerous two-day February records were also set. Some flash flooding occurred early in the the event as higher rates of rainfall were embedded within the overall rain pattern. Numerous rivers and streams flooded, some reaching crests mainly in the 5- to 10-year flood recurrence interval and many roads were flooded. A state of emergency was declared by the Virginia Governor for several counties in southwest Virginia due to the flooding, including Tazewell and Smyth counties. Flooding was most severe along the Clinch River and tributaries in Richlands, VA where a Flash Flood Emergency was issued in consultation with local officials.