‘Historic’ Flooding in Virginia Prompts State of Emergency Declaration

A state of emergency has been declared by Virginia Governor Ralph Northam in response to heavy rains and flooding that hit parts of the state on February 6.

Flood warnings in the state have been extended until Tuesday, February 11, the National Weather Service (NWS) said.

Widespread property damage was reported across the state, with wind speeds as high as 73 mph recorded at 9 am on February 7, the NWS said.

Richlands Police Department said on February 7 that they were accepting donations to distribute to flood victims.

Drone footage recorded by Billy Bowling shows flooding along the Clinch River in the town of Richlands on February 6.

Describing the flooding as “historic,” Bowling, who lives in nearby Lebanon, told Storyful that, “today [February 7] the water has receded some, but many houses are still underwater and the temps have fallen past freezing and we are seeing snow.” Credit: Billy Bowling via Storyful