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Worst flooding in Scottsville history with Agnes 50-years ago today

4 years ago in Albemarle County, Charlottesville City, Local

Photo: WINA


SCOTTSVILLE (WINA) – While a flood watch has been posted for parts of our area through 11 tonight, it’s nothing like 50-years ago today in Scottsville. The James River on Wednesday, June 22, 1972 rose to a crest just over 34 feet due to rains from then-Tropical Storm Agnes… the highest ever in the Albemarle County town.

Hurricane Program Director for FEMA Region 3, Mike Bilder, said Agnes was so bad for three main reasons… first, she merged with a secondary low that developed over a frontal system. Then she stalled.

Rains intensified upslope in the Appalachians… and then water rushed down the slopes intensifying James River flooding.

Bilder says prior to Agnes hitting, the area had well above-average rainfall saturate the grounds through May and early June.

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