PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (VA) VA-WV WSC responding to Tropical Storm Isaias

Date: Tue, 04 Aug 2020 08:50:45 EDT

Summary: Field crews from the Richmond, VA and Leetown, WV field offices are responding to flooding caused by Tropical Storm Isaias.

Tropical Storm Isaias is currently centered over southeast Virginia and is moving to the north-northeast at 30 to 35 mph. Rainfall has spread northward ahead of the storm and is covering most of the eastern third of the state. A tornado watch is in effect until 12 p.m. EDT for a portion of east-central Virginia and multiple tornadoes have been confirmed in the region by NWS.

Rainfall totals have been relatively modest (1-3 inches) with minor flooding forecast for later this week in the lower Nottoway and Meherrin River basins as well as the Blackwater. A quick comparison of the forecast peak flows to the regional flood frequency statistics suggests the recurrence interval is less than 0.5 AEP (2-yr flood).

Moderate tidal flooding is forecast at many tide stations along the Chesapeake Bay later today. With additional rain forecast for the urban areas in Northern Virginia, river levels are expected to rise rapidly throughout this morning and into the afternoon.

There are currently 4 field crews out collecting water quality samples in the Upper Potomac, Shenandoah, and Upper James watersheds and another two crews in central and northern Virginia measuring streamflow and collecting high water marks where possible.