Cleanup Continues In Northern Neck As Isaias Races Out Of Region

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Tropical Storm Isaias brought heavy rainfall to Fredericksburg and the surrounding area Monday night, causing flooding of roads in the area. A possible tornado and strong winds damaged houses and littered roads with debris in the Northern Neck.

Virginia Department of Transportation crews in the Fredericksburg District remain mobilized in emergency operations to remove debris from roads blocked by damage from Isaias, the department said Tuesday afternoon. Many roads remain closed for downed trees that are entangled with utility lines.

VDOT crews and utility crews are working together to de-energize lines first, which then allows maintenance crews to clear tree debris from the travel lanes.

All primary roads are open in VDOT's Fredericksburg District, but about 25 secondary roads are closed across the district, including in Essex, Caroline, Gloucester, King George, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Middlesex, Northumberland, Stafford and Westmoreland counties.

The Robert O. Norris Bridge on Route 3, connecting the Middle Peninsula with the Northern Neck, was reopened to traffic by 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, although the VDOT kept a high wind advisory notice in effect.

Two people were reportedly injured by a tornado that severely damaged several homes near White Stone in Lancaster County, according to reports.

The Virginia State Police said they assisted the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office with checking on residents and properties damaged by the storm. Roads were closed due to debris, downed trees and power lines, the police said.

VDOT worked with utility companies to remove downed trees and power lines in the area of Windmill Point Road near Osprey Lane in Lancaster County.

In Falmouth, the Stafford County Sheriff's Office and Stafford County Fire & Rescue had to rescue a driver on Harrell Road Tuesday morning from flood waters. "Luckily, the driver is okay after ignoring signs about Harrell Road this morning," VDOT tweeted. "This is why you don't drive around road closed signs or barricades. If you can't see the ground, TURN AROUND."