HEAVY RAIN CAUSES FLOODING, WASHOUTS ACROSS PATRICK COUNTY

25 minutes ago
1 min read

PATRICK COUNTY, Va. — Communities across Patrick County are dealing with significant flooding and storm damage following heavy rain Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Patrick County Emergency Management Director Scottie Cassell said that the Ararat area received at least six inches of rain. Several roads were washed out, and mudslides were reported.

The heavy rainfall caused the Ararat River to swell and flow rapidly, carrying tree limbs, debris and belongings from nearby properties downstream.

At one home, the force of the floodwaters reportedly pushed boats and a camper into each other.

Significant damage was also reported along Hunters Chapel Road, where an older Ford pickup truck was found buried beneath trees and debris. Community members said the truck was swept more than a mile during a washout.

Several bridges were closed as crews began recovery efforts. One bridge reportedly collapsed and split in half, while floodwaters destroyed nearby crops.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is assisting Patrick County officials with road closures, damage assessments and recovery efforts.

Residents should avoid flooded or damaged roads and never attempt to drive through moving water. Additional updates are expected as officials continue assessing the damage.