
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, October 5, 1995                   TAG: 9510050067
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: A-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: BETTY HAYDEN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

WE'VE GOT ROOM FOR THE RAIN

Summer's drought could turn out to be a blessing: Below-normal water levels mean Hurricane Opal probably can hit the Roanoke and New River valleys with her best shot without serious repercussions.

"We're better off with having had the drought," said Roger Galloway of the National Weather Service's Blacksburg office. "It definitely allows us more room for the rain."

He said the rivers and creeks should hold if the area gets less than four inches of rain.

But Appalachian Power Co., for one, wasn't taking chances. Just to be safe, it lowered Claytor Lake's level two feet.

While Opal continued on a north-by-northeast track Wednesday night, local weather officials monitored its progress and issued a flash-flood watch that continues today.

Galloway said a flash-flood warning - meaning flooding was imminent - would be issued if radar showed a marked increased in rainfall as the hurricane approaches the region.

Areas east of the New River Valley, from Roanoke to the Piedmont, should see the heaviest rains, he said.

Winds from Opal are expected to hit here at 20 to 40 mph, with higher gusts at higher elevations. Galloway cautioned residents to bring loose items such as garbage cans and patio furniture inside. He also warned people to stay away from buildings under construction, because swift winds could blow down unsecured walls.

Forecasts call for clearing tonight and partly sunny skies Friday.

by CNB