At the request of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management, the Bedford County Special Operations Command’s Swiftwater Rescue Team has been activated and is on standby at the Forest Fire Department.

According to the National Weather Service, there is the potential for stream and river flooding in the region in the coming days due to heavy rainfall and melting snow. Bedford County/Lynchburg is only in a slight risk for this rapid flooding but much of Southwest Virginia is in a moderate risk zone.

The team has completed all equipment checks and is conducting training as they stand by to respond to emergencies.