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Virginia river crests highest in over 20 years

Heavy rain at the end of the work week led to creek, stream, and river flooding in parts of central Virginia and across the Shenandoah Valley.

WASHINGTON (WUSA) — Heavy rain at the end of the work week led to creek, stream, and river flooding in parts of central Virginia and across the Shenandoah Valley.

The Rapidan River near Culpeper along the Culpeper-Orange county lines entered Major Flood Stage and crested to its highest level in 22 years - nearly 24 feet above normal. The Rappahannock River both near Culpeper reached Moderate Flood Stage as well.

A large volume of water will continue to flow through these rivers over the weekend and into the Chesapeake Bay. River Water levels are expected to gradually decrease over the next 24 - 48 hours and should all be back below flood stage by the end of the weekend.

Below is a look at the Hydrograph, or "Water Levels" of the Rapidan River near Culpeper. Major Flood Stage begins at 21 Feet. The Rapidan at that location rose to 23.7 feet. This was the highest crest since September 7, 1996, when the remnants of Hurricane Fran took the river up to 27.49 feet, the 5th highest on record.

RELATED: Local Emergency Declared in Culpeper County, Virginia

Residents near these rivers and other flooded areas should heed the warnings and obey barricades and closed roads. Flood waters can not only sweep a car away, but they can also change the integrity of a road surface, bridge, or overpass. Don't put yourself in danger.

There are additional showers and storms in Saturday's forecast -> www.wusa9.com/weather

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