September 15, 2018

Citizens of Wythe County

Rains from Florence will begin today and continue throughout the first of the week. As of today, Wythe County could receive up to 5 to 9 inches of rain in areas. With the potential of these amounts to fall, flooding as well as land slides are potential hazards. River flooding is also a threat for our county. There are projections of moderate to major flooding for the New River with Galax being projected to be 15 feet above flood level and Pulaski to be 22 feet above flood level. AEP has lowered the levels of water at the Buck and Billesby Dam and are not holding extra water at this time.

Wythe County is still urging citizens to be prepared and stay vigilant for the storm to come. Visit wytheco.org to sign up for citizen alerts and for further information. Also follow Wythe County VA’s Facebook page. If you want to monitor the river levels and see projections, visit the website https://water.weather.gov/ahps/index.php. Staying informed is very important with a storm that is continually changing.

Please take heed to the possibility of land slides and flooding and have supplies ready. If you live in a flood prone area, make plans for your safety in case the flooding threatens your residence. Power outages are also a possibility to remember.

Again, stay informed and Wythe County will continue to provide information as it becomes available. Please stay safe.

Curtis Crawford

Emergency Management Coordinator