Flood Condition Information

Areas Prone to Flooding

Roanoke County Fire and Rescue Department's Emergency Services Division would like for you to be aware of areas in Roanoke County that are subject to possible flooding. These areas are:

  • Areas of Bottom Creek
  • Crystal Creek and Merriman
  • Garst Mill Road at the Roanoke City line
  • Green Ridge and Woodhaven
  • Masons Creek at Thompson Memorial and Catawba Valley
  • Poages Mill Road and Bent Mountain Road
  • Roanoke River at the Montgomery County line
  • Starlight Lane
  • Williamson Road and LaMarre Drive

What to Expect & How to Prepare

If it has been raining hard for several hours, or steadily raining for several days, be alert to the possibility of a flood.

  • Listen to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio or your local radio or TV stations for flood information.
  • Floods can take several hours to days to develop.
  • A flood Watch means a flood is possible in your area.
  • A flood Warning means flooding is already occurring or will occur soon in your area.
  • Flash floods can take only a few minutes to a few hours to develop!
  • A flash flood Watch means flash flooding is possible in your area.
  • A flash flood Warning means a flash flood is already occurring or will occur very soon

When a Flood Watch Is Issued

  • Be prepared to act quickly and move to higher ground if needed. Floods and flash floods can happen quickly and without warning.
  • Move your furniture and valuables to higher floors of your home. Higher floors are less likely to receive damage from a flood.
  • Put important family documents in a waterproof container. This will keep them from being damaged in a flood.
  • Get your pre-assembled emergency supplies ready. Key supplies include: first aid kit and medications, portable radio, flashlight, extra batteries, canned food, manual can opener and bottled water.
  • Fill bathtubs, sinks and plastic bottles with clean water. If flooding occurs, water may become contaminated or service may be interrupted.
  • Fill your car's gas tank, in case an evacuation notice is issued. If electric power is cut off, gas stations may not be able to operate pumps for several days.

When a Flood Warning Is Issued

  • Be alert to signs of flooding. If floodwaters are threatening your home, evacuate immediately. Move quickly to higher ground.
  • Follow recommended evacuation routes. Shortcuts or alternate routes may be blocked or damaged by floodwaters.
  • If you are driving and come upon rapidly rising waters, turn around and find another route. The depth of the water may not be obvious and two feet of water will carry away most automobiles. Most flood fatalities are caused by people attempting to drive through water. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.

When a Flash Flood Watch Is Issued

  • Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment's notice.
  • When a flash flood Warning is issued (or you think it has already started)...
  • Evacuate immediately. You may have only seconds to escape. Act quickly!
  • Move to higher ground away from rivers, streams, creeks, and storm drains. Do not drive around barricades...they are there for your safety.
  • If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and climb to higher ground.
  • For free information on ways to better protect your home and property from flood damage, call 540-777-8701 or write:
    Roanoke County Fire and Rescue
    5925 Cove Road, NW
    Roanoke, VA 24019