Thursday's Flood: An Eyewitness Account

Last Thursday's flooding saw standstill traffic in Lorton. The rushing water claimed five lives in Virginia and Maryland. Some drivers took back roads like Fullerton Road to avoid gridlock on Interstate 95, but were met with a closed Lorton Station Road. Pohick Road at Route 1 was also blocked off.  

Stranded commuters had a choice: hours of standstill traffic with no turnaround or take their chances driving over the median on Route 1. Many made it over, but a few got stuck. Some drove on the sidewalk, but some cars were abandoned as commuters sought shelter in local stores. Some drivers parked in neighborhoods. 

Those who sought shelter in the Gunston Plaza Shopping Center had to cross thigh-high rushing water on Lorton Road while passing a few abandoned cars that were half-covered by flood waters. A number of businesses in the shopping center kept their stores open past closing time, and some offered free meals.

The Dollar Tree was a popular spot; rain-soaked customers bought shower curtains and trash bags for rain cover, others bought dry clothes, flashlights and food. 

Dollar Tree assistant Manager Elizabeth Smith bought customers drinks with her own money and advised them to buy reading material to wait out the storm. “I’m just glad we were able to stay open and help out,” she said.

Gold’s Gym sheltered about 50 people at one point, and ordered 10 pizzas. Staff calmed adults and played with the children.  “As Gold’s Gym in the local community, we tried to reach out to people who needed us and help everyone stay in high spirits,” said manager Ryan Bobb.

A few stranded victims dried out in style with full meals at Polo Grill and Antonelli’s.

Once flood waters subsided and trapped cars began to travel again, people began to search for their cars. Unfortunately for  some, tow trucks started to take away all of the abandoned cars on the streets and sidewalks.