By Gracie Hart Brooks
Editor
Storms dropped a deluge on Orange and Madison counties this week.
Some reports had rainfall amounting to eight inches Wednesday morning before more fell in the evening. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch Monday with a flood warning Tuesday through Wednesday. Flooding impeded local roads and caused schools to be closed in Madison, Greene and Rappahannock counties Wednesday. A 12-year-old boy was caught in flood waters from a creek near his home in Crozet Tuesday evening, resulting in his death.
Shenandoah National Park has closed the Limberlost Trail, Skyland Horse Trail, the Appalachian Connector Trail near the Hawksbill Gap parking area, Dark Hollow Falls Trail and the Whiteoak Canyon trail due to washed-out areas.
The National Weather Service advises drivers to avoid flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown. For the latest road conditions, visit www.va511.org.
With more wet weather in the forecast, both Madison and Orange County High Schools have said they will make a desicion on Saturday morning’s graduation later this week. Both are set to have their ceremonies outdoors, but wet weather may move them inside. Both schools will announce any changes on their respective websites and social media.