HARRISONBURG, VA (ROCKTOWN NOW) — A powerful and slow-moving storm system swept across Virginia in mid-July 2013, unleashing torrential rain that led to flash flooding and hazardous conditions in several communities. The heaviest rainfall began on July 12 and continued into the early hours of July 13, overwhelming storm drains and inundating low-lying areas.

Here in the Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg and Rockingham County were among the hardest hit. The city recorded 4.60 inches of rain at one location (1 NNE Harrisonburg), while nearby Singers Glen saw up to 4.89 inches. In Dale Enterprise, rainfall reached 5.35 inches on July 12 alone, triggering flash flooding along creeks and streams and causing localized damage.

According to unofficial reports from the National Weather Service, multiple locations across the state recorded rainfall totals exceeding 4 inches, with some nearing 5 inches. The highest total came from West Springfield, where a trained spotter measured 5.00 inches by early Friday morning. Other parts of Fairfax County, including Springfield and Herndon, saw between 4.18 and 4.74 inches, resulting in widespread street flooding.

Other parts of the region also experienced intense downpours. Honeyville in Page County reported 4.67 inches, while Broken Hill in Fauquier County saw 4.92 inches. Opal, another Fauquier community, recorded 4.19 inches.