Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, January 4, 1992 TAG: 9201040282
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MONICA DAVEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
FLOOD WARNINGS ISSUED RISING CREEKS, RIVER THREATENING HOMES
Flood warnings were issued across Southwest Virginia Friday night as steady rain fell - and wasn't expected to let up until late this morning.The National Weather Service flood warnings were in effect early today for the counties of Roanoke, Craig, Botetourt, Montgomery, Floyd, Franklin and Henry and the cities of Roanoke and Salem. Other counties were under a flash flood watch.
The toughest-hit spots were in Montgomery County and western Roanoke county.
Late Friday, high waters were threatening Salem and Montgomery County homes and making some bridges and roadways treacherous to cross.
Small streams and creeks throughout Southwest Virginia were coming out of their banks, officials reported.
But the Roanoke River was a more serious threat. It was rising rapidly Friday night and National Weather Service officials said it would likely leave its banks before cresting this morning. The river was expected to crest at 12 feet, 2 feet above flood stage.
At Riverland Mobile Home Court on Riverside Drive in Salem, residents were advised about rising waters Friday evening.
Trailer Court manager Leroy Clements said residents were not forced to evacuate, but were offered that option. One entrance to the trailer court - a low water bridge - was closed.
A National Weater Service official said evacuations were likely in other areas as the night went on.
At 11 p.m., weather service officials said 1.76 inches of rain had fallen in Roanoke since the storm began Friday morning.
In several spots along the headwaters of the Roanoke River, though, 4 to 5 inches had fallen.