CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – UPDATE 6:15PM 9/26: The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for Charlottesville and surrounding areas, including Albemarle, Greene, Nelson, and Madison counties, effective from 2 AM Friday through Friday evening. The remnants of Hurricane Helene are expected to bring 1 to 3 inches of rain, with locally higher amounts possible, raising concerns about potential flooding in rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas.

This watch follows an extended flood warning earlier in the day, where Albemarle County fire and rescue responded to multiple water rescues early Thursday morning. As heavy rainfall from Hurricane Helene continues, officials warn that excessive runoff may lead to more flooding, particularly in urban areas and low-water crossings.

12:15 PM 9/26: The National Weather Service has extended the flood warning for the Charlottesville area, including Albemarle, Greene, and Orange counties, until 6:15 PM this evening. Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is expected, with rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas already experiencing rising waters. Between 2.5 and 4.5 inches of rain have fallen, and stream gauges report ongoing flooding in several areas, including Charlottesville, Crozet, Free Union, and Scottsville. Drivers are being asked to avoid flooded roads and pay attention to warnings, because most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles.

Governor Youngkin has declared a state of emergency for Virginia for expected impacts of Hurricane Helene, which has already affected the region with heavy rainfall and flooding, despite not yet reaching land in Florida. Early Thursday morning, Albemarle County fire and rescue responded to two water rescues on flooded roads. Shortly after 4:30 a.m., vehicles were stranded in flood waters at Plank and Oakmont Farm, as well as Esmont Road and Wynova Lane.

Hurricane Helene is forecast to make landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area as a Category 4 storm, with devastating winds and storm surges of up to 20 feet. States of emergency have been declared across multiple states, including Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee, in preparation for the storm’s inland impact.

UPDATE 10:20 AM 9/26: Augusta County is providing sand and sandbags at two locations for residents and businesses preparing for potential flooding from Hurricane Helene. Sandbags can be filled 24/7 at the Augusta County Government Center in Verona and the Wilson Volunteer Fire Company in Lyndhurst. Residents are advised to bring their own shovel and take only what is needed.

UPDATE 9:40 AM 9/26: The flood warning for our area has been extended until noon. Roads across the region are experiencing closures due to flooding, with the following roads currently closed:

In Albemarle County:
– Watts Station Dr at Watts Passage
– Esmont Rd at Red Row Ln
– Gilbert Station Rd at Ashleigh Way Rd
– Durrett Ridge Rd at Advance Mills Rd
– Whippoorwill Rd at Cardinal Ridge Road (washout)
– Plank Rd at Old Lynchburg Rd
– Bear Creek Rd at Appleberry Mountain Rd (washout)
– Old Ballard Rd at Owensville Rd

In Greene County:
– Carpenters Mill Rd at Matthew Mill Rd
– River Rd at S. River Rd
– River Rd at Madison Rd
– Octonia Rd at S. River Rd
– Mutton Hollow Rd at Matties Run Rd

In Madison County:
– Oak Park Rd
– Fords Shop Rd at Meander Run Rd
– Lindsay Ln at Old Blue Ridge Tpke
– Gate Rd at Rt 29
– Tom Johnston Rd at Elly Rd
– Hughes River Rd at F.T. Valley Rd
– Elly Rd at Oak Park Rd

In Culpeper County:
– White Oak Rd at Rt 15
– General Winder Rd at Carver School Ln
– Hazel River Rd at Monumental Mills Rd
– Reva Rd

In Augusta County:
– Patton Farm Rd at Wayne Ave
– Christians Creek Rd
– Patton Farm Rd at China Clay Rd

UPDATE 8:15 AM 9/26: Flooding rains have largely moved out of the Charlottesville area for the morning, with the bulk of the remaining rain concentrated in the Valley near Harrisonburg. However, the region remains under a flood watch for Friday from 2 AM to 8 PM, with heavier rain expected from the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

ORIGINAL: Governor Youngkin declared a state of emergency for Virginia in anticipation of Hurricane Helene’s impacts. Heavy rains are already affecting the area, with local fire and rescue crews responding to multiple water rescues. Helene is expected to make landfall in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing significant rainfall and potential flooding to central Virginia.

Because the list of closings and road conditions is subject to change quickly, check 511Virginia.org for the most up to the date travel information before you head out.