Heavy rain hammered Norfolk on Friday, turning several downtown streets into shallow rivers and leaving motorists with few options. The storm, which persisted throughout the day, caused water to rise to waist‑high levels in low‑lying areas, prompting immediate road closures and safety warnings.
Underpass at Monticello Avenue and West 21st Street shut down
The most severely affected location was the underpass at Monticello Avenue and West 21st Street. Water completely submerged the roadway, forcing officials to block the passage to all traffic. Drivers who attempted to navigate the flooded tunnel found the road impassable and were forced to turn around.
Residents forced to wade through floodwater
Several residents reported walking through waist‑high water to reach loved ones or their workplaces. One mother, Valerie Lapine, said she was worried her daughter, who works at a Chick‑fil‑A on Monticello Avenue, would be stranded. Lapine walked through the water herself, guiding her daughter safely through the flooded area. “I was worried she wouldn’t be able to get through the water, so I went and showed her the way to get through it. It’s insane. They should do something about this. There’s no reason that it should be flooding this bad,” she told News 3.
Norfolk State University student Jewel Watts described the scene as frightening, likening it to a small tsunami. “It’s crazy. It kind of looked like a tsunami, a lot of stuff going on, and the car stuck. I’d be thinking we’re about to drown,” Watts said.
Drivers urged to avoid flooded roads
Local authorities reminded motorists that driving through standing water is dangerous and can quickly lead to vehicle loss or injury. The recommendation is to seek alternate routes whenever water is visible on the road surface. Emergency responders remain on standby to assist anyone who becomes trapped.
City response and next steps
The Norfolk Department of Public Works is monitoring the situation and working to pump water from the most affected streets. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for reopening the Monticello Avenue underpass, but they emphasized that public safety remains the top priority.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official city channels for updates on road conditions and any additional closures. The city also asks citizens to report severe flooding to 311 so crews can be dispatched promptly.
What you can do
- Avoid driving through any visible water; even shallow water can hide hazards.
- If you become stranded, stay in your vehicle if possible and call 911 for assistance.
- Follow official traffic updates on the City of Norfolk website or local radio.
- Check with neighbors and local schools for any changes to transportation routes.
While the storm has subsided, the lingering water underscores the need for continued investment in Norfolk’s drainage infrastructure. Community members are urged to support city initiatives that improve flood mitigation and protect neighborhoods from future weather events.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
