The waters of the James River rage through Richmond on Monday, fueled by fives days of heavy rain last week. During the weekend, the river crested 3 feet above the 8-foot flood stage in Downtown before returning to its banks this week.
The Richmond area got soaked, with nearly 8.5 inches of rain between May 15 and May 19, according to the National Weather Service. The heaviest rain hit Friday, May 18, when 3.86 inches fell — a record for that day. The downpour created flash floods that trapped some motorists, toppled trees and temporarily cut off power to thousands of homes and businesses. That downpour followed the 2.67 inches that fell May 17, also a daily record.
Ahead, more rain is predicted for the holiday. The forecast calls for sunshine Friday, May 25, with cloudy skies moving in for the weekend. A chance of thunderstorms is expected Saturday, May 26, with cloudy skies Sunday, May 27, and continued cloudy skies and a chance of light rain on Memorial Day, Monday, May 28. Highs are forecast to be the 80s Saturday and Sunday, dipping into the upper 70s on the holiday.
