In Hanna’s wake: Waynesboro spared heavy rains; city crews look to Ike

By Bob Stuart

Published: September 6, 2008

Rains from Tropical Storm Hanna fell in Waynesboro and parts of Augusta County early Saturday, but not in large enough quantities to cause flooding along the South River.
The story was different in other parts of Virginia, where more than 50,000 people were without power Saturday afternoon. There were also double-digit rain totals in Prince William County and some weather-related car fatalities in Chesterfield County, according to Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine.
By early afternoon in Waynesboro, the rainfall had stopped.
The city’s emergency operations director, Gary Critzer, had been prepared for as much 3 to 5 inches, but instead said the city received 1.25 inches.
He said the South River could handle large rainfall because it is low.
“If we get 3 to 4 inches, we can expect the South River to to crest at 6.1 feet, that is 3.5 feet below flood stage,’’ Critzer said. “The rivers and streams are low and the ground is dry ... The river will be able to handle quite a bit of water.”
Critzer said by late afternoon there were no major problems de
spite city crews being on standby.
“Our folks are ready to go,’’ he said. “We have sand and sandbags and all that stuff is ready to be put in place at a moment’s notice.”
Kaine said during a 4 p.m. conference call that three people had died in Chesterfield County accidents due to the hydroplaning of cars.
And he said the heaviest rainfall was in Prince William County in Northern Virginia, where about 10 inches had fallen.
The governor said that 51,000 people were without power,  and expected that number to decrease during the night.
As for a damage figure, Kaine said it was too early to tell, but said assessment teams would make those estimates as soon as the storm left Virginia later Saturday.
The outlook for today is a clear one in the area. National Weather Service Meteorologist Chris Strong said the forecast for today and Monday is sunny and clear.
Now looming for Virginia is Hurricane Ike, which could bring more heavy rain to the state by Friday or Saturday, Kaine said.
“We’re still unclear about the path. But the path will determine the consequences,’’ Kaine said.
Critzer said his office is watching Ike closely.
“It is really preliminary. We are not sure what if any impact Ike will have on us,’’ he said.