ROANOKE, Va. (AP) -- Flooding from persistent heavy rain and downed trees have blocked roads and closed schools in western Virginia.

Authorities reported secondary roads closed Thursday in the Roanoke and New River valleys, in the Lynchburg area and in Rockbridge County.

More than two dozen roads were closed in Pittsylvania County alone, and roads also were blocked in adjacent Henry County.

Schools are closed in Franklin County, where flooding blocked three of four lanes of U.S. 220. Flooding also was reported on U.S. 460 in Montgomery County, where several schools were closed.

Appalachian Power Co. says it increased release of water into the Staunton River Thursday morning after the level of Smith Mountain Lake exceeded full pond.

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