Petersburg is asking citizens to stay off roadways, if possible, during the heavy rain, ice, and snow now underway. Two roads are closed because of flash flooding: Joseph Jenkins Roberts Parkway and Defense Road between Baylor’s Lane and Squirrel Level Road.
Emergency Management, Police, Fire, and Public Works are monitoring roadways to keep vehicles and people away from areas in the city that do flood when heavy rain falls quickly.
If you see high water or a road closed:
- Don't walk or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over and two feet will float a car - NEVER DRIVE AROUND BARRICADES (HIGH WATER AND ROAD CLOSED SIGNS).
- If caught on a flooded road with rapidly rising waters, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground. Most flood fatalities occur in vehicles.
- Don't walk along streams or riverbanks.
- Don’t allow children or pets to play in or near flood water.
- Avoid any contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with harmful chemicals and debris that are not visible from the surface.
- Stay out of areas subject to flooding. Underpasses, dips, low spots, etc. can become rapidly filled with water.
If citizens see clogged drains or fallen trees, please call Street Operations at (804) 733-2415 during normal working hours (8am-5pm). To report any flooded areas or concerns after work hours, please call the Petersburg Police Department’s non-emergency number, 804-732-4222. Call 911 for all emergencies.