DANVILLE, Va. (WSET) — Seven years ago today, Tropical Storm Michael swept through Danville and Pittsylvania County.
The storm was one of only four recorded Category 5 hurricanes to make landfall on the U.S. mainland, according to the National Weather Service. By the time it reached the Carolinas, it had weakened to a tropical storm but still proved deadly, claiming several lives in Virginia, spawning multiple tornadoes and causing millions of dollars in damage throughout the Danville area.
Today, first responders remember the historic flooding and the challenges of that day.
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Danville Life Saving and First Aid Crew, Inc. posted to Facebook in honor of the natural disaster’s anniversary. “Side by side with police, fire, and public works, we worked through pounding rain to reach stranded drivers and keep our community safe.”
The Danville Special Operations team deployed boats, ropes and every piece of water rescue gear available at the time to assist in the devastation. “No matter the weather, we answer the call,” they said.