Flooding Washes Away, Closes Occoquan Roads

The following are excerpts from an email update from Mayor Porta:

"Heavy rains over the last several days have resulted in major flash flooding in the Town of Occoquan, shutting down Poplar Lane, Occoquan Road, Center Lane, Union Street, Tanyard Hill Road, and parts of Mill Street.  Union Street/Tanyard Hill Road will remain closed just to the south of Center Lane ...into Friday. Poplar Lane near the town boundary will remain closed until downed power line(s) can be repaired.

The National Capital Region Water Agency Response Network (NCR WARN) advises that flooding may continue in some areas throughout the weekend, and that the existing Flash Flood Watch will likely be extended on Friday.  If rain continues over the ensuing days, please exercise particular caution along Tanyard Hill Road, Center Lane, Union Street, and Mill Street. Ballywhack Creek has been repeatedly and rapidly overflowing its banks, creating extremely hazardous conditions on each of those roadways, as well as washing away embankments, and flooding adjacent properties.  In addition, flood conditions have arisen repeatedly on Poplar Alley behind the Tourist Information Center.  Finally, there is noticeable debris in town, particularly along Union and Mill Streets.

I would like to take a moment to thank Chief Levi for his substantial and extended efforts this evening, as well as James Phelps, Albert and Betsy Engleken, the folks at the True Love Always Tattoo Shop on Union Street, and a host of other anonymous good Samaritans who helped out this evening.  Thank you also to the PWC Police, VDOT, and PWCSA folks who were promptly on the scene this evening doing whatever they could.  Finally, thanks to the vast majority of commuters who cooperated as we were forced to direct them out of town as a result of road closures."