Jul 9, 2025 - News

Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond

Sabrina Moreno

Illustration of a warning sign submerged under flood waters. — Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

There's a chance this week's showers and thunderstorms lead to flash flooding in the Richmond region, according to the National Weather Service.

Why it matters: It only takes six inches of fast-moving water to sweep you off your feet, 12 inches to carry a small car and 18 inches to make SUVs unsafe to drive, Richmond officials said on Tuesday.

Zoom in: The risk of flooded roads — which Richmonders know well — has the city warning residents to:

Stay off bridges over fast moving water
Avoid flooded roads
And not drive or walk through flood waters.

Extra pro tip: Before heading to the James River to cool off from the heat, check how high it is to make sure it's not flooding, too.

Go deeper:

FEMA adds 180 Richmond sites to flood zones
Why Richmond's rainstorms are getting more dangerous
Where Virginia homes face flood risk in next 30 years

Add Axios on Google

Storms could bring flash flooding to Richmond

More Richmond stories