Va. official: About 500 flee to higher ground

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A Virginia emergency management spokeswoman says about 500 Hampton Roads residents have gone to shelters or sought refuge on higher ground because of flooding.

Laura Southard also said Friday morning that the National Guard sent 45 soldiers to the region to help rescue stranded residents. She said Humvees and boats have been used to get many people out of flooded homes and buildings. Several hundred people have been evacuated, but no mandatory evacuations have been ordered.

Southard said some localities hope to begin preliminary damage assessments Friday, but it will be a while before any numbers are available.