DUMFRIES, Va. — A Virginia business that just recovered from a flooding incident has its eyes on the skies as Tropical Storm Isaias approaches the DMV.
Flash flooding submerged eight cars with trapped people inside them two weeks ago, on the road leading to Tim’s Rivershore Restaurant and Crab House, in Dumfries, Virginia.
The restaurant sits between a hill and the banks of the Potomac River. Owner Tim Bauckman said rainwater from a storm rushed down the hill toward his business.
But now, Bauckman said his main concern is not what will come from higher ground. He said he is more worried about the threat that could emerge from the Potomac River.
“All we've done all day is move boats and move furniture up to higher ground," he said.
Bauckman said the local fire department visited his business Monday to let him know storm surge from Tropical Storm Isaias could lead to flooding on his property again.
The National Weather Service says the storm surge along Bauckman’s portion of the river could reach 1-3 feet if the surge occurs around high tide.
Bauckman said people have been checking in with him throughout the day ahead of the storm. Some people have even left comments on the restaurant’s Facebook page hoping the business does not flood again.
“We've always got a lot of people calling us telling us to be careful and stay safe," he said.
Bauckman said he is appreciative of all the support. He said if it looks like the area will flood again, he won't hesitate to close the restaurant early.
For now, Bauckman has some important advice for anyone in the region ahead of Isaias’ arrival to the area.
“If [you] see a little bit of water, don't go riding into it,” he said.