So they say it was supposed to rain a bit - just a few thunderstorms...

[MeanLaureen]

And this is what happened

Scary. Everyone went to work Monday thinking it would be a day just like any other. Remnants of Gaston were supposed to cause a couple of thunderstorms and showers in the afternoon.

What happened was another story.

In a 7 hour time span - depending on what area of metro Richmond you were in - there was 10-14 inches of rain. Gaston moved over Richmond, regained strength.. and stalled.

7 people so far are confirmed dead. Most of them swept away when they drove down a road and had no idea what was going on.

Check out the pictures on the newspaper website.

There is one picture of a car buried in debris left in a parking lot in Shokoe Bottom in downtown Richmond. The picture looks like a Hot Wheels car half buried in sand at the beach.

Amazing what can happen when you head out to work and are only expecting a couple of thunderstorms.. huh?

 

[holycow]

holycow! That is amazing! I didn't realize what it was at first...but that is one big stretch of road!

Take care and stay dry and safe!

Lisa

 

[MeanLaureen]

What is even more amazing is the fact that the damage for the most part - like the roads and the cars downtown, was not done by a river overflowing. It was done because of rain coming down too fast for the ground and the sewers to handle it.

 

[caitycaity]

 

[Pooh Girl 71]

Amazing isn't it? I was out and about in early on Monday and had NO idea it became as bad as it did. The devastation is just unbeleivable.

I was out with clients today and could not get to Mechanicsville at all. All the roads were closed and just about all of the Northside is without power.

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

Holy Moley! I can not believe the size of the sinkhole in the 2nd picture. I'm glad you are okay Laurie, so some others were not so fortunate.

 

[Sandy51]

Those pictures are incredible! Holy cow!


Sandy

 

[disneysnowflake]

Lauri,
I was stunned to see what happened in your area on the television.
That's just terrible.

 

[swea_pea1]

Laurie,

I'm with you...who knew it could get so bad? I keep thinking about the folks they pulled out of their cars, unfortunately deceased, and think "there but for the grace of God". That so would have been me, not realizing how fast that water could rush and how far high up it could go.

We luckily had no damage....we're in the West End and didn't get hit too hard. But I have a zillion trees in my yard and they say that the rain may have saturated them enough that one good wind could blow them over. My fingers are crossed.

Between the drought two years ago, the earthquake (small, but still), hurricane, and tornadoes last year and the flood this year, I think we've pretty much had our share of natures wrath!

 

[Feralpeg]

This is not making me feel any better. They are predicting between 13 and 20 inches of rain here with Frances. Florida is famous for its sinkholes to begin with. ARGH!

 

[tiggerlover]

Wow, and folks thought they were just going to have thunderstorms. Some of those pictures look like a bomb exploded or the aftermath of an earthquake. I've seen some of the pictures from Richmond on our local news, but these look far worse....holycow!

 

[MJTinNH]

Glad you are OK.

 

[Pin Wizard]

That is unbelievable! When I saw today's front page of the newspaper with the sink hole, I couldn't believe it. Thought it must have been something in FL until I read about it.

 

[browneyes]

I'm glad you're ok, Lauri. 120 roads closed!

 

[MeanLaureen]

Originally posted by Feralpeg
This is not making me feel any better. They are predicting between 13 and 20 inches of rain here with Frances. Florida is famous for its sinkholes to begin with. ARGH!

Peg, I know you guys must be scared to death and my heart goes out to you.

At least you guys have some warning and have time to get out. Your roads and buildings are probably constructed to withstand this type of weather better too. Here in Richmond, this is unheard of. You'll be okay, I promise. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers Besides, I'm coming down that way on Tuesday so Frances better not mess with this redhead!!

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

My Aunt and Uncle got 12 inches of rain. Fortunately it didn't damage anything.

Lori

 

[dizneenut]

Wow, that is incredible. I'm so glad your OK.

 

[Annette_VA]

One of my DH's coworkers lives off of Studley road. He sent this message about picture #11

"Pretty amazing. Slide 11 shows my neighbor's truck on Tuesday. He was washed away as the road was collapsing. Luckily after 4 hours wedged against a tree, he was rescued a little after midnight."


Very scary stuff.