(Danville, Va.) — Danville City Manager Ken Larking has declared a local state of emergency. A declaration of a local state of emergency means that the City can request additional resources without going through the typical steps. The declaration also will help ensure access to outside funding to assist in defraying costs associated with response or recovery from impact of Florence.

In issuing the declaration, Larking said, “We have been vigilant in our preparations over the last several days for the flood risks that we are facing and we are continuing to monitor the situation. The purpose of the declaration is to be able to mobilize additional resources as quickly as possible. We already have state partners staged and ready to assist, when needed.” The state of emergency will last through Friday.

Mayor Alonzo Jones added, “I ask the residents of Danville, especially those in the flood prone areas of our city, to join us in continually monitoring developments and to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. The steps that you take now will provide greater safety for you, your families and your loved ones. I also ask that you continue check on family members, neighbors, senior citizens and those who live alone.”

The Dan River is currently projected to reach major flood stage in Danville, which is 25.5 feet, late this afternoon or early evening, crest at 28.4 feet in the early morning hours of Tuesday, and then remain above major flood stage into Wednesday. Minor flooding in Danville begins at 17 feet. A crest of 28.4 feet would be the highest recorded level since Sept. 7, 1996, during Hurricane Fran. At 9:30 a.m. today, the river level was at 19.6 feet.

Parks and Recreation crews closed the entrance to Anglers Park this morning. The entrance to Dan Daniel Memorial Park will be closed at 3 p.m.

Residents and visitors remain advised to stay off the Riverwalk Trail. For the safety of the public, Parks and Recreation crews have posted signage closing trailheads on the Riverwalk Trail. Barricades are in place at various locations. In the event of major flooding, several low-lying trailheads and park properties are expected to be under water. The public is urged to avoid all floodwaters and obey all signage.

Emergency management personnel continue to monitor weather reports and advisories from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and other state agencies.

Public Works crews are prepared to deploy barricades, detour signs and road closure signs as needed for flood prone locations. Residents and visitors are reminded to obey signage and to not move or go around barricades. Public Works crews continue restocking sand piles for public use.

Danville Utilities power line crews responded to reports of scattered outages over the weekend and this morning due to trees and tree limbs falling across power lines. Three substation feeders were affected, but are back in service. Customers are reminded the 24-hour emergency number for reporting outages is (434) 773-8300. Residents and visitors also are reminded not to go near power lines that have fallen onto the ground.

Arrangements remain in place with various agencies to provide shelters. If any resident or visitor needs shelter, then they should call the non-emergency number of the city’s Emergency Communications Center. The number is 434-799-5111.