South Boston, VA - The heavy rains are causing a big problem for residents in South Boston, where the swelling Dan River is threatening a major road closure. Halifax County has declared a local state of emergency.   Halifax County emergency officials say the Dan isn't going to swell over the bridge, but it could flood the low areas of the street and even some of the businesses through here. Tom Moneymaker owns a small engine repair shop in Riverdale. He hauled away all the mowers and dirt bikes he's fixing. Moneymaker even put his shelving up on cinder blocks to keep water from ruining his tools and supplies. He went through this several years ago and still has evidence of how bad Hurricane Fran was.

Tom Moneymaker, Moneymakers Small Engine Repair - "Last time it came right up to the curb here. That right there was from when it came in in 1996."

He can even see the water already creeping up behind his shop. Emergency officials say they have rescue workers on standby in case the flooding gets bad. They're warning residents in low, flood-prone areas, to be on high alert, and evacuate if they see water close to their homes. Many roads are already flooded, and they warn not to drive through them.

Kirby Saunders, Halifax Co. Emergency Services Coordinator - "Water can be very deceiving. It may look like its flowing fine, its on top of the roadway, but truth be told there may be no roadway there. So we encourage everyone if you see a covered roadway, turn around, and don’t drown."

Saunders say people driving to work Friday morning around South Boston should prepare for delays, and be on the look-out for flooded roads. He says be ready to follow the detour signs.

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