Short Pump Largely Unscathed By Hanna’s Visit

Tropical Storm Hanna blew through Central Virginia this weekend, but caused very little trouble during her brief stay. The storm, that packed winds of around 70 MPH at its height before coming onshore in the Carolinas, brought heavy bands of rain through the Richmond area from late Friday night through mid Saturday afternoon, but little else.

Though rainfall amounts ranged anywhere between three and six inches across the region, there were only reports of minor, localized flooding, such as what motorists encountered along a portion of Three Chopt Road near the Barrington subdivision, pictured above. Assistant Henrico County Fire Marshalls Sabrina Steele (foreground) and Jim Dabney (background) are shown routing traffic around a section of roadway that crosses a small stream on the thoroughfare.

As the remnants of Hanna’s eye passed over the Richmond area, winds picked up slightly, driving rain sideways and reportedly downing several trees in the Short Pump area, but no major damage was reported. After Hurricane Isabel tore through Virginia and left millions of dollars in damage in 2003, however, Henrico County took no chances. County Manager Virgil R. Hazelett declared a State of Local Emergency early Friday evening ahead of the storm, advising residents to take many precautions, including securing lawn furniture, remaining alert for flash flooding, and monitoring local media for further updates.

Most residents weren’t phased by Hanna’s visit, though, evident by moderate (although slightly lighter than normal) traffic levels during the day Saturday in the Short Pump area. Patrons to The Daily Grind coffeehouse in the Promenade Shops, shown below, enjoyed a cup of coffee and some good conversation as they waited for the rain to pass.