Summer Downpours in Lynchburg

Heavy rains drenched the city of Lynchburg several times over the summer, which caused flooding in various locations, affecting both Liberty Christian Academyand theUniversity of Lynchburg.

A heavy downpour June 22 forced water to flow indoors at Liberty Christian Academy. Rain fell on the area for about 25 minutes, prompting officials to send out a seek shelter advisory and a tornado watch. According to LCA Director of Academy Relations Amy Saylor, Liberty University intervened right away to assist school staff.

“Liberty was there to help and come over and oversee all of (the repairs),” Saylor said. “Thank goodness for Liberty.”

LCA experienced damage primarily in the front of the building. The lobby and some offices towards the front of the building needed new flooring. The repairs were completed in time for the parent “meet and greet” LCA hosts every year, and the new repairs were met with positive reactions from parents and faculty.

During the first week of August, Lynchburg experienced another series of heavy rainfall, which led to severe flooding throughout various streets and waterways. Many were forced to temporarily evacuate due to flooding in their homes and neighborhoods. The University of Lynchburg was surrounded by multiple areas that experienced flooding.

The threat of College Dam breaking caught the attention of national news networks. Lauren Farrell, student body president at the University of Lynchburg, grew very concerned upon hearing the news of the heavy flooding.

“When I heard of the heavy amount of rain and the potential for the dam breaking, I got really scared for all those I care about still in the Lynchburg area,” Farrell said. “This has become my home, so it was a very helpless feeling knowing I couldn’t do anything to help.”

Fortunately, the University of Lynchburg did not experience any infrastructure damage due to the heavy rains or flooding in the area.