Roanoke, VA – UPDATE
All of the roads closed due to high water Thursday night have since been reopened. At this time, the eastbound lanes of the 2700 block of Melrose Ave in Northwest Roanoke are closed due to a downed tree blocking the roadway.
The Roanoke Police Department said crews are en route to remove the tree, and the road is expected to reopen within a few hours.
10 News Chief Meteorologist Jeff Haniewich gave an update at 11 p.m. Thursday night:
As of 11:00 p.m., the following road closures are in place according to RPD:
•2100 block of Staunton NW
•Shaffer’s Crossing
•1400 block of Gilbert NW
•10th and Campbell SW
•7th and Patterson SW
•Tinker Creek Bridge
•5200 block of Williamson Rd NW
•2900 block of Broad St NW
•Bennington and Queen Anne Dr SE
•Appleton and Peters Creek NW
•3600 block of Thirlane Rd SW
•Fishburn Parkway
10 News Meteorologist Edward Shaw gave an update at 9:30 p.m. Thursday night:
After a strong thunderstorm produced upwards of 4 inches of rainfall Thursday evening, reports of flooded roads and water rescues have been steadily coming in.
At least a dozen swift water rescues have been reported around the city of Roanoke due to this excessive rainfall.
Peters Creek Road between Hershberger Road and Cove Road is closed as of 8:55 PM due to around 2 feet of flooding on the roads. There have been reports of rescues we are still working to confirm.
Flowing water has also been reported at Ring Road around the Valley View Mall.
According to the Roanoke Fire Department, Schaffers crossing and south Peter’s Creek near Station 13 are creating some traffic hazards and barricades will be placed at those locations.
The Flash Flood Emergency has expired, but a flash flood warning has been issued in portions of the area until 8:45 a.m. Friday morning.
Remember to not drive through roads that are flooded, as they may appear to be shallower than they actually are.
The Roanoke Police Department also posted this on its Facebook page about flash flood safety: