Full Notification

FFWRNK The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a

* Flash Flood Warning for... Grayson County in southwestern Virginia... Smyth County in southwestern Virginia...

* Until 445 PM EDT Friday.

* At 950 AM EDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 5 and 8 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 1.5 to 3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY for Smyth and Grayson Counties. This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! HAZARD...Life threatening flash flooding. Thunderstorms producing flash flooding. SOURCE...Radar and automated gauges. IMPACT...This is a PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW! Life threatening flash flooding of low water crossings, small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets and underpasses.

* Some locations that will experience flash flooding include... Galax... Marion... Saltville... Chilhowie... Independence... Fries... Sugar Grove... This includes the following streams and drainages... Beaver Creek, Bear Branch, Big Horse Creek, Bridle Creek, Campbell Creek, Bull Run, Brush Creek, Beaverdam Creek, Blue Spring Creek and Chestnut Creek.

* AFFECTED AREAS: GRAYSON, VA ... SMYTH, VA

Instructions:

Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order. Turn around, don't drown when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads. Stay away or be swept away. River banks and culverts can become unstable and unsafe. When it is safe to do so, please send your reports of flooding, including mudslides or flooded roads, to the National Weather Service by calling toll free at 1...8 6 6...2 1 5...4 3 2 4. Reports and pictures can also be shared on the National Weather Service Blacksburg Facebook page and on Twitter.