Two river towns make up Emporia. Hicksford, settled in 1709, grew on one bank of the Meherrin River and Belfield on the other, where the old Fort Road crossed the water. They merged in 1887, and the city became independent of Greensville County in 1967, though it remains the county seat. At about 128 feet above sea level, Emporia sits on low ground, and a small dam on the Meherrin creates a reservoir right in town.
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Living Beside the Meherrin
The Meherrin begins at Reekes Mill and travels through Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, Brunswick and Greensville counties before reaching Emporia, then continues more than 140 miles in all to the Chowan River in North Carolina. Much of that watershed lies upstream of the city, so heavy rain falling well to the west can raise the river here a day or more later. The 20-foot dam that forms the in-town reservoir does not function as a large flood-control structure.
Properties in the older Hicksford and Belfield sections closest to the river, and any lot in a low spot nearby, should be checked against the FEMA flood map. Coverage for rising river water comes only through a flood insurance policy, which is purchased separately from homeowners insurance.
Hurricane Floyd and the I-95 Corridor
Emporia's location on Interstate 95, U.S. 58 and U.S. 301 means regional storms quickly become local problems. During Hurricane Floyd in September 1999, heavy rain and washouts closed I-95 between Emporia and Petersburg and U.S. 58 between Emporia and Franklin, while the Blackwater River put Franklin under some of its worst flooding in decades. Hurricane Isabel in 2003 left about 1.8 million Virginians without power, and a tornado was reported near Emporia, though never confirmed.
When roads are cut and power is out, help can take longer to arrive. Have a plan to stop water at the source, protect valuables, and start drying with whatever you have until a crew can reach you.
Roof Leaks, Fallen Limbs and Wind-Driven Rain
Tropical systems and summer thunderstorms bring wind-driven rain that gets past shingles, flashing and window seals. Mature trees in the city's older blocks add the risk of limbs coming through roofs. After a storm, walk the house and check ceilings, attic insulation and the tops of exterior walls for stains. Hidden water in an attic can soak insulation and drywall for days before it shows.
If a roof is open, tarp it when it's safe, document the damage, and schedule storm damage cleanup promptly. Wet attic insulation usually has to come out; framing and drywall can often be dried.
What Repair Looks Like in an Older Emporia Home
The Hicksford-Emporia and Belfield-Emporia historic districts hold houses and commercial buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Houses of that era commonly have plaster walls, wood floors and crawl spaces beneath them. A careful approach to water damage repair in these buildings usually involves:
- Mapping moisture with meters before removing any material
- Drying plaster and hardwood in place where they are still sound
- Pulling wet insulation from the crawl space and drying joists and subfloor
- Checking older plumbing and drain lines for the original cause
Southside Heat, Humidity and Mold
Emporia averages about 46 inches of precipitation a year in a humid subtropical climate, with summer highs that have reached 109 degrees on record. Damp crawl spaces under raised homes stay humid for much of the year, and mold can appear on wet materials within 24 to 48 hours of a leak. Dry quickly, ventilate crawl spaces or run a dehumidifier, and bring in professional mold remediation for widespread growth or anything that followed river water.
Where Callers in the Emporia Area Are
Calls come in from across Emporia, including:
- Hicksford
- Belfield
The same line also serves nearby communities such as:
- Jarratt
- South Hill
- Lawrenceville
Emporia Water Damage Questions
Can the Meherrin rise even if it hasn't rained much in Emporia?
Yes. The river drains several counties to the west, so heavy rain in Lunenburg, Mecklenburg or Brunswick can bring higher water to Emporia after local skies clear. Watch NWS Wakefield river forecasts and flood warnings, not just the local weather, and move vehicles and belongings to higher ground early if you live near the river.
Should I wait for roads to reopen before starting cleanup?
Start what you safely can. Shut off water or power to affected areas, move belongings out of wet rooms, photograph damage and remove standing water with a wet vacuum if it is clean water. Open windows only if outdoor air is drier. Call (888) 317-9980 to be connected with an independent provider, who can schedule extraction and drying as access allows.
Do Emporia homes need flood insurance even outside a mapped flood zone?
It's worth considering. Floods often hit properties outside high-risk zones, and homeowners policies don't cover rising water. Policies through the National Flood Insurance Program usually carry a waiting period before coverage starts, so buying one when a hurricane is already approaching is too late. Check your zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center first.