Flood in Virginia Capital Brings State of Emergency

A state of emergency was declared Friday night in Richmond as the rain-gorged James River rose onto streets within sight of the Virginia Capitol, and Gov. Gerald L. Baliles placed the National Guard on alert.

A spokesman at Richmond’s flood command center said the river flooded at least one intersection in Shockoe Bottom, a district of restaurants and shops about a half-mile downhill from the Capitol.

Utility officials shut off gas in Shockoe Slip, another shopping area just above Shockoe Bottom, as a precaution against gas escaping into buildings from water-soaked pipes.

James River Rising

An operator staffing the city’s flood hot-line said the James River was at 15.65 feet, more than 6 feet above flood stage, by early evening.

A new projection called for the James River to crest at 25 feet at the City Locks by early today, Assistant City Manager Sandy Groves said. Officials said that level could cause significant flooding in Shockoe Bottom and water might rise to 3 feet in some businesses.

City officials said they expected to close the 14th Street and Boulevard bridges this morning.

The state of emergency was declared by the city Friday evening, said Police Sgt. J.W. Mitchell. Baliles sent the National Guard to help with possible evacuations and medical emergencies.

About 150 National Guard troops were on duty or en route to duty stations Friday night, National Guard Col. Edison Hayes said.

Will Aid Evacuations

“We’re dealing primarily with traffic control and assisting law enforcement agencies and we are going to have small boats available to pull people out of the water and have aircraft available for observations and medical evacuations,” he said.