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The Wakefield station of the National Weather Service (NWS) is warning residents to stay away from the Appomattox River. The river is forecasted to crest at 20 feet, if not higher — going past the original prediction of 19.5 feet. Because of the dangers presented by a rising river, the NWS issued a flood warning for the Appomattox River above Farmville, affecting Prince Edward, Cumberland, and Amelia Counties until late tomorrow morning.
“It could possibly go higher,” said Farmville Fire Chief Daniel Clark. “If it does, then we may have to shut down Main Street, going from Farmville into Cumberland County.”
So far, that’s not the case. However, several roads in Farmville are closed due to flooding. That includes River Road at Main, East 2nd Street between South Street and Virginia Street, and North Virginia Street between First Street and Haynes Street. Those are all temporarily closed due to flooding, according to Officer Sam Bowles of the Farmville Police Department. 

This isn’t the first time the Appomattox has overflowed recently, as many residents will remember what happened thanks to Tropical Storm Debby. In the wake of that storm, it crested at 21 feet, flooding most of the downtown area.

Farmville residents asked to use caution

Farmville residents worried about their homes and businesses in the midst of the flooding are advised by Chief Clark to move outdoor belongings to higher ground if possible and to monitor both the roadways and information the National Weather Service releases regarding flood news. 

The best way to avoid incidents is to observe road closures and treat roads with caution, Chief Clark says. “If you see water in the roadways do not try to pass through, because there’s always the potential that the road is not underneath that water. There’s the old saying: ‘turn around, don’t drown’.”