Floodwaters Devastate Hopewell Business, Causing Significant Damage
In Hopewell, Virginia, the James River Tackle Co. experienced severe flooding that caused extensive damage to the business. Surveillance footage captured the moment when floodwaters surged into the store from both the front and back doors, quickly inundating the premises with over a foot of water. The owners, Donnie Bell and Erica Friedline, have operated the tackle shop for seven years and estimate that the floodwaters reached between 12 and 18 inches inside, damaging thousands of dollars' worth of fishing gear, inventory, and supplies. The flooding began when water backed up through a storm drain in front of the store, followed by another drain behind the building overflowing. The couple and others in the store attempted to salvage important items, but much of the inventory was lost. The flooding also resulted in the loss of live bait due to a power outage affecting the filtration system. The couple is now awaiting their insurance company's assessment before beginning cleanup and repairs. 
