Flash Flood Warning For City, County

HARRISONBURG — Due to flash flooding that started shortly after 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County officials responded to several high water calls, including one at Reservoir Street and Lucy Drive involving people trapped in two cars with water up to the windows, and a water main break call on Evelyn Byrd Avenue in front of Regal Cinemas.

Crews also responded to some residences that contained several feet of water.

Several tree fires started and automatic fire alarms went off in businesses during the storm, which also involved thunder and lightning.

At 4:52 p.m., the National Weather Service in Sterling issued a flash flood warning until 7:15 p.m. for the city of Harrisonburg and central Rockingham and Augusta counties. According to the statement issued on the weather service's website, law enforcement officials reported flash flooding caused by very heavy rain. At 4:48 p.m., radars estimated that up to 3 inches of rain had already fallen across parts of the aforementioned areas. City and county residents should expect another 2 inches of rain, according to the weather service.

Anyone in the warning area is advised to move to higher ground, as the warning means that flash flooding is immident or already occuring. Residents who live near water bodies should immediately take precautions to protect themselves and their property.

To report flooding, call the nearest law enforcement agency and ask officials to relay the report to the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Sterling. For Harrisonburg Police Department's non-emergency line, call 434-4436. For Rockingham County Sheriff's Office's non-emergency line, call 564-3800.