Occoquan on Flood Watch

OCCOQUAN, Va. — Heavy rains Wednesday night had Occoquan officials on watch for rising water as The National Weather Service placed Prince William County under a flood warning.

No flooding has been reported in the town so far, but the river that runs through much of Prince William County appeared swollen this afternoon.

So far, Prince William has been deluged with several inches of rain this week as slow-moving storms dropped heavy rains, wind, and some hail across the area. Wednesday night was no exception, as a large thunderstorm inundated the Woodbridge area for more  than an hour.

“We were really surprised when we saw river levels in the town come up to the level of the docks on Tuesday, but we’ve not seen any flooding from the river or from the creek,” said Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta.

Porta is referring to the Ballywhack Creek that last fall flooded out much of the town.

Officials will continue to monitor conditions as the chance of showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast, said Porta.

On Tuesday, emergency officials in Prince William became concerned about rising water levels where the Occoquan River spills over Lake Jackson Dam near Manassas. Residents who live near the 85-year-old dam were warned about the possibility of evacuating their homes due to the swollen river.

A press release from Prince William fire and rescue officials Wednesday stated water level had receded there. 

Showers and thunderstorms remain in the forecast for Thursday, which much of the rain expected to fall after noon, according to the weather service.