POSTED AT 4:30 P.M. FRIDAY
Here is the current situation report from the city: The latest forecast from the National Weather Service in Blacksburg calls for Danville to receive less rainfall this weekend than earlier expected.
However, significant rainfall amounts of 1 to 3 inches still are forecast, with periods of more moderate to heavy rainfall from late Friday through midday Saturday. The rainfall also will remain a prolonged event, with light rain expected for the remainder of Saturday and much of Sunday.
The ground is already saturated, so any precipitation will drive river levels higher. Danville remains under a flood warning for the Dan River in Danville until Monday afternoon. A flood warning means that flooding is occurring or will likely occur soon.
The Dan River is expected to rise above flood stage in Danville by midnight tomorrow and continue to rise to 25.1 feet by early Sunday morning. At this level, flooding will be moderate. This crest compares to a previous crest of 25.5 feet on Jan. 1, 2007. The record for Danville is 28.65 feet in 1996 following Hurricane Fran. Flood stage is 17 feet.
City of Danville emergency management personnel continue to monitor the weather and participate in coordination with the Virginia Emergency Operations Center. Emergency shelter teams are on standby, but it appears unlikely there will be a need to activate shelters.
Public Works Department tree removal, street maintenance and sewer maintenance crews will remain on standby this weekend for 12-hour shifts. Tree crews will clear downed trees and limbs as they occur across city streets. Street maintenance crews will place detour and lane closure signs as needed. Flooding is most likely to occur on River Street, Trade Street and Water Street. Crews have placed water pumps on River Street and are prepared to operate those pumps as needed to keep the street open for travel.
The city is no longer is under a high wind watch by the National Weather Service. Widespread power outages no longer are anticipated. Danville Utilities crews will remain on standby through the weekend.