Flood watch in effect across much of Central Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Much of Central Virginia is under a flood watch until early Wednesday morning, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The NWS issued a flood watch for many Central Virginia counties and cities on Tuesday, Sept. 17. It will remain in effect until 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 18.

The watch is affecting the following localities:

• Caroline County
• Charles City County
• Dinwiddie County
• Chesterfield County
• City of Colonial Heights
• Essex County
• Hanover County
• Henrico County
• King William County
• King and Queen County
• Greensville County
• Lancaster County
• Middlesex County
• New Kent County
• Northumberland County
• Prince George County
• City of Richmond
• Richmond County
• Sussex County

A flood watch means that forecasted rainfall has the potential to cause a flood in the impacted area. The NWS encourages residents to keep an eye on local forecasts in the event that the watch is upgraded to a warning — meaning flooding would no longer just be considered possible, but imminent.

In addition to these flood watches, multiple counties in Virginia’s Northern Neck region are under a coastal flood advisory until early Wednesday morning. This includes the counties of Richmond, Lancaster, Middlesex, Essex and Northumberland.

A coastal flood advisory means that shallow flooding is expected in “the most vulnerable locations near the waterfront and shoreline,” according to the NWS. Residents should expect up to one foot of flooding in these low, vulnerable areas. There is also the potential for some property damage.

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