As per reports, recent heavy rainfall across Virginia has provided partial relief to drought conditions affecting the commonwealth, while simultaneously triggering localised flash flooding in Richmond, Virginia Beach and surrounding areas as of Thursday (06 August).

• Flash flood warnings have been in effect across multiple counties in Virginia through Tuesday evening (04 August), with heavy rainfall causing localised flooding in central Virginia, including Richmond and surrounding areas.
• As of Thursday (06 August), flooding has been reported on North Sixth Avenue in Hopewell, with floodwater causing significant water accumulation. Amster Road at Starview Lane in North Chesterfield has been closed due to high water levels.
• With regard to drought conditions, the latest US Drought Monitor update shows measurable improvement across multiple drought categories statewide.
• Areas near Richmond down to the Tri-Cities are no longer in drought status, having been downgraded to the abnormally dry category. Extreme drought across the state has decreased from 26 percent to 17 percent, a reduction of approximately 10 percentage points.
• Despite recent improvements, Virginia’s drought conditions remain significant. The USDA Farm Service Agency has issued drought disaster designations for over 75 Virginia localities, including all localities in the Roanoke region.
• Emergency drought conditions in the Roanoke region remain in effect as of Thursday (06 August).