Wythe County emergency officials are closely monitoring flash flooding throughout the county, as numerous roads have been closed Sunday night and early Monday morning.

According to E-911 dispatchers serving in the Wythe County Consolidated Dispatch Center, local residents have made numerous calls reporting flash flooding throughout the county.

In total, at least 15 roads in Wythe County have experienced varying degrees of roadway ponding or flooding, with at least three being officially closed by emergency officials.

Extreme weather reports include the following:
• FRANCIS MILL RD. (BRIDGE COVERED)
• CEDAR SPRINGS RD / DRY RD. (CREEK HAS FLOODED THE ROADWAY, CURRENTLY IMPASSABLE)
• STONEY FORK RD CLOSED DUE TO MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF WATER IN THE AREA, AND THE ROAD WASHING AWAY/40FT SINKHOLE IN THIS AREA.
• RIDGE AVE (CALLER STATED THE WATER IS UP TO THE DOOR OF HIS DODGE DUALLY TRUCK)
• ATKINS MILL RD @ MUSKRAT RD. (OFFICER ADVISED THIS AREA IS IMPASSABLE DUE TO HIGH AMOUNTS OF WATER IN THE AREA)
• BEREA RD (WATER COVERING ROADWAY, DRIVEWAY BRIDGE WASHED OUT ON PRIVATE PROPERTY.)
• CHURCH ST & BAUMGARDNER (IMPASSABLE ACCORDING TO CALLER.)

County officials are urging the general public to avoid travel if at all possible throughout the night, as emergency crews are working to assess the situation and offer assistance where necessary.

Sunday evening, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Blacksburg issued a flood warning for Wythe County, as well as all neighboring localities, following “heavy rainfall across the area.”

Though intense rain showers are expected to cease later into the night, forecasters are warning of additional showers and thunderstorms Monday after 11am.

Emergency officials are reminding motorists to remember the phrase, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown!” when they come to areas where water covers the roadway.

“The dangers of roadway flooding are heightened at night when it is more difficult to recognize the possible extent of the water,” said Wythe County public information officer Jeremy T.K. Farley.

“Should a motorist encounter a roadway that is flooded, we are asking them to turn around immediately and then, when it is safe, to notify 911,” added the county spokesperson.

The National Weather Service is advising residents to act quickly if flooding is observed.

Wythe County is reminding residents and visitors to call 911 should they experience flooding or any other emergency situation.

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