US: Flash flood warnings in place for parts of northern Virginia until at least 00:01 EDT Aug. 30

The US National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood warnings for parts of Culpeper, Madison, Orange, Prince Edward, Prince William, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties, Virginia, through at least 00:01 EDT Aug. 30. One warning covers Fredericksburg, Lake of the Woods, and Orange and is effective until at least 00:01 EDT Aug. 30, while the other warning affects Dale City, Lake Ridge, and Marumsco and is effective until at least 11:30 EDT Aug. 29. Officials could amend the warning for the impacted areas and/or extend it to the surrounding regions on short notice over the coming hours.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites. Transport, electricity, and telecommunications disruptions are also possible in areas impacted by flooding.