James River levels may reach 15 feet amid stormy weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With rainfall and more anticipated rainfall this week, James River experts are urging caution along the waterway.

"Levels throughout the city in the river are going to increase,” said James River Keeper Tom Dunlap with the James River Association (JRA) when speaking to 8News on Wednesday, May 14.

Dunlap said near that, the James A. Buzzard River Education Center, the river’s average height is four and a half to five feet.

"We're going to see the river levels reach potentially 15 feet," he said. "Down here near the gauge right now, predictions at this time are showing closer to 10 feet -- but those can change."

PREVIOUS: James River expected to reach 14 feet, surpass minor flood stage

Our StormTracker8 team said the official flood stage for the James River is 12 feet.

“Not only can river conditions change rapidly, but even sections of the river that you're familiar with can have changes that you can't see,” Dunlap said.

With higher water levels come additional hazards -- including extra debris, toxins, contaminants and pollutants being forced into the river.

“That could be dangerous for boating, maybe dangerous for wading or other activities,” Dunlap said.

He said residents can also help minimize contamination in waterways by taking simple actions like picking up pet waste.

James River conditions on May 14. (Photo: 8News)

The American Red Cross is advising residents in flood-prone areas to gather emergency supplies, including water, non-perishable food, flashlights, first-aid kits and rain gear.

“Turn around, don’t drown,” Dunlap said. “If you see heavy water, don’t risk it. It can pose a challenge and all sorts of risks to human health.”

StormTracker8 meteorologists said most of the stormy weather is expected to wind down by Wednesday night, though scattered storms could linger into Thursday and Friday. The concern, however, may last longer.

“We’ve certainly seen increased precipitation — both in frequency and in volume — in the James River watershed and beyond through a changing climate,” Dunlap said.

Dunlap said the James River Association runs a volunteer water quality monitoring program between Memorial Day and Labor Day called "The James River Watch."

"Every Friday afternoon, new data will be available for the public to know before they go in the river," he said.

You can find more information here about becoming a volunteer.