Flooding closes numerous central Va. Roads
By Staff
CULPEPER – Numerous roads in Central Virginia were closed again overnight Sunday after more rain arrived and flooded streams already swollen from the heavy rains Friday. Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are also busy responding to reports of trees felled by the winds that have kicked up across the region this morning.
Most of the road closures and tree damage appear to be in the counties of Culpeper, Orange and Fauquier, although several secondary roads are also closed in Madison County at this hour. All the roads that are closed are secondary routes; all primary and interstate highways in Central Virginia are clear. The following roads are reported closed:
Culpeper County
Route 628 between Routes 640 and 611
Route 675 between Routes 669 and 673
Oak Shade Road between Routes 625 and 693
Route 613 between Routes 1069 and 622
Route 657 between Routes 645 and the Madison County line
Route 721 between Routes 15 and 614
Route 624 between Routes 625 and 693
Route 706 between Routes 684 and 666
Route 625 between Routes 663 and 640 (tree and power lines down)
Fauquier County
Route 681 at the intersection of Route 802
Route 802 at the intersection of Route 687
Route 737 at the intersection of Route 732 (power lines down)
Route 690 between Routes 17 and 628
Route 673 between Lee Highway and Route 674
Route 667 between Routes 603 and 670
Route 655 from Sumerduck Road to Lucky Hill Road
Route 656
Route 688 between Routes 613 and 798
Route 678 between Routes 691 and 689 (tree and power lines down)
Route 616 between Routes 29 and 674
Route 681 between Routes 689 and 691
Route 675 between Routes 600 and 1332
Route 674 between Routes 643 and 616
Route 689 between Routes 738 and 678 (tree and power lines down)
Route 605 between Routes 672 and 672
Route 674 between Routes 672 and 1400
Route 602 between Routes 670 and 747
Route 672 between Routes 1460 and 672
Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling through low-lying areas and along swollen creeks and streams. VDOT offers the following precautions for driving during high-water conditions:
Never drive through water flowing across a road. It takes only six inches of water to float a small vehicle. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Never drive around barricades. Remember, the road has been closed for your safety.
Slow down when driving through standing water. Driving too fast through water could cause loss of control due to hydroplaning.
Avoid flood-prone areas, especially along creeks and other low-lying areas.
If a flash flood warning is broadcast, seek high ground immediately.
Watch for debris on the roadway. If you encounter a downed power line, do not try to move the line.
Motorists can receive updated information about roads closings and weather by dialing 511 on any telephone within Virginia, or on the Web at www.511Virginia.org.