Waynesboro sees more than 11 inches of rain in September alone

The city of Waynesboro had received more than 11 inches of rainfall in September alone as of late Monday morning — much of that the product of the outer bands of Hurricane Helene last week.

City Emergency Management Director Gary Critzer said that number is expected to keep climbing into October. There were 11.37 inches that fell in September, and the National Weather Service is forecasting up to 2 more inches of rain on the way.

Critzer asks that city residents be vigilant about falling trees because of the wet ground. "Be cautious, the ground is saturated," Critzer said. He said one positive is that there are no high winds to deal with so far.

Property owners are responsible for tree removal on their property. Critzer said trees located in the public right-of-way are the city's responsibility.

The resumption of rainfall on Sunday and overnight into Monday caused the South River to rise again, according to Critzer. He said the river had receded in the city to 6.32 feet. However, Sunday and overnight rainfall caused the river to rise to over 9 feet.

"But the river is 8.64 feet as of this moment," Critzer said shortly before 10 a.m. Monday.

While the rain and winds contributed to thousands of power outages in both Augusta County and Waynesboro Friday and Saturday, most had seen their power restored by Monday.