UPDATE: Local, state officials out in Tazewell County assessing flood damages

Officials with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and Tazewell County are combing neighborhoods and assessing homes and businesses damaged by Thursday flooding that caused more than 500 people to be forced from their homes in the Richlands area.

A county spokesperson says damage assessment teams are using special equipment that does not require a complete home inspection. Preliminary data shows The Richlands area was the hardest hit with flood damage with assistance from the American Red Cross brought in to assist residents.

(PHOTO: National Weather Service Blacksburg)