The James River levels could rise to flood stages as Tropical Storm Helene heads up North

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The James River could see rising water levels as Tropical Storm Helene makes its way to the commonwealth.

According to The Friends of James River Executive Director Josh Stutz, water levels were at 10 ft on Friday morning and could rise to 11 ft — just one foot shy of flood stages.

“Anytime we get major storm events west of Richmond in the James River watershed, we see a pretty big spike in the river levels here in Richmond,” Stutz said.

8news Storm teams reports the James River was at roughly 4 ½ feet on Thursday, Sept 26 at 2p.m., and with the heavy rain it rose to 10 feet this morning at 8 a.m. and it can rise to 11 ft this afternoon and evening.

Stutz said heavy rain from the past two days have played a part in water increasing. As a result, the water is pushing with a lot more force and moving faster.

“In many spots around the James River Park system, the river has exceeded its banks,” Stutz said. “It’s starting to make things wet. It’s certainly upping the danger factor for being out on the river. It’s also pushing a lot of debris, which is building new hazards throughout the river as trees get hung up to form new strainers as rapids change with the higher water levels, as more stuff gets pulled into the river.”

He said experienced boaters who attempt to get in the water should move with caution or don’t go in at all.

“We want to make sure that if you are going to go out this weekend, you’re out there in groups, you’re scouting, you know what you’re up against,” Stutz said. “We really don’t want to see a situation where people get in over their head. It creates a hazard not only for the person in the situation, but also other boaters who have to attempt rescue or first responders who have to get out there and you have to affect those rescues.”

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