Here we go

The National Weather Service has issued flash-flood and tropical storm warnings for the Culpeper region in anticipation of Tropical Storm Hanna’s arrival on Saturday.

Meteorologist Jared Klein said the rains may arrive as early as tonight, with the heaviest downpours expected around 6 a.m. Saturday. The NWS expects Culpeper to receive 4 to 7 inches of rain.

“Definitely the main story for this storm is the rain,” Klein said.

In advance of the severe weather, Tom Williams, head of the county’s Emergency Services De-partment, said emergency shelters are on standby.

“We have met with the Red Cross,” he said, “and the Red Cross is prepared to open shelters for us if we need it.”

The shelters are the Galbreath Marhsal building on Old Fredericksburg Road and the Salem Volunteer Fire Department on Sperryville Pike. Williams said the Reva Volunteer Fire Depart-ment, about five miles south of town on U.S. 29, could be used on a short-term basis. All three shelters would be capable of holding about 500 people.

“Flash flooding is my major concern, as well as power outages,” Williams said Friday afternoon, adding that emergency worker staffing would remain at normal levels, with personnel directed to remain on standby if their services are needed.

Williams said one positive aspect so far is that both the Rappahannock and Rapidan rivers are expected to remain below flood stage, which is 14 feet.

Culpeper County Public Schools announced today that all activities scheduled for Saturday have been canceled, including cross country at Culpeper County High School and a field hockey match at Eastern View.

However, another event set for this weekend, the Old Dominion Horse Show, was to continue as scheduled as of this afternoon.

“So far it’s a go,” said Clarence Crumpton, a member of the show’s organizing committee. “The board hasn’t decided to postpone it.”
Crumpton said if weather does prompt the need to modify or cancel any elements of the show, the group will post a notice on the Virginia Draft Horse and Mule Association’s Web site at vdhma.org.

If flooding strikes Culpeper-area homes, Columbia Gas of Virginia spokesman Bob Innes says residents should shut off the gas to their appliances until they can be inspected by a professional. Anyone who smells gas should leave the area immediately and call 911.

The National Weather Service said Hanna is expected to move out of central and northern Vir-ginia by Saturday night, with the rain ending and temps falling to 63. On Sunday, partly sunny skies are expected with a high near 85.

How are you weathering the storm?
If bad weather hits your home or business, tell us about the effects by contacting reporter Nate Delesline III at 825-0771 ext. 110 or