ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (ROCKTOWN NOW) – The Rockingham County Fire and Rescue Department report that recent rains following Hurricane Helene have raised water levels in streams, rivers and dams throughout the County.

Officials are continuously monitoring conditions across the area, and specifically in the Briery Branch and Hone Quarry areas. According to a social media post from the department, there is no concern about the integrity of either dam and no need for emergency evacuations.

However, they do ask that folks stay off the rivers in kayaks, canoes, and other recreational devices until the water levels fall back to normal levels.

Officials say that the fun on the white water can quickly turn in to a swift water rescue, which puts everyone, including responders at risk, and takes from their ability to respond to true emergencies. They also encourage residents to sign up for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Emergency Communications Center’s new alert system, which can be found here.