Richmond prepares for possible flooding, asks residents to do their part

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Richmond has taken steps to prepare the city for expected flooding as heavy rains batter Central Virginia through Monday. How can you help minimize damage throughout the River City?

StormTracker8 Chief Meteorologist Matt DiNardo said scattered but heavy downpours are expected throughout Central Virginia every evening until Monday, July 14. Especially as the ground is already very wet from storm events earlier in the week, there's a substantial risk of flooding.

DiNardo added that the most severe flooding risk will be seen on Wednesday, July 9, with the storms slowly weakening in strength each night until Monday.

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The city of Richmond is doing its best to prepare for these storms, according to a Wednesday press release.

"City departments and partners are receiving regular weather updates and continuing coordinated response efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and community wellbeing," the city said.

Officials warn that the flood gate on Magnolia Street is "currently inoperable." The city's Department of Public Works (DPW) has posted signs to that effect. The Bainbridge Street flood gates are working.

DPW crews will remain "actively engaged" and will make sure to sign areas with known flood risks as conditions develop.

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Facilities will monitor the James River. According to the city, protocols are in place to ensure park users remain safe across the James River Park System amid these storms.

"PRCF asks that residents adhere to the posted signage at river entry points," the city said.

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Crews with the city's Department of Public Utilities (DPU) have been deployed to both inspect and clear storm drains in "known trouble spots" across Richmond, according to the release. Additional signs have been prepared for flood-prone streets and they will be posted if needed.

Additionally, DPU staff are on-call and ready to respond if inlets or drains become blocked during these storms -- but officials are asking residents to do their part to try and prevent such clogs from happening.

"Residents and businesses are encouraged to play a vital role in flood prevention by keeping storm drains clear of trash, leaves, sediment, cigarette butts and lawn debris," the city said in the release. "Blocked inlets can significantly reduce drainage capacity, leading to localized flooding, driving hazards and property damage even during minor rain events."

Emergency Service Operations teams, as well as Urban Forestry, Traffic and Maintenance crews, are also on-call throughout the night.

"While weather events are beyond our control, the City’s agencies are taking proactive steps to mitigate potential effects," officials said in the release.

Stick with 8News for the latest Central Virginia weather alerts and forecasts as these conditions develop.