CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Following minor flooding on the Ohio River on Saturday, meteorologists expect water levels to drop before another weather system moves through the region later this week.
Forecasters are more concerned about communities along northern parts of the Ohio River. The river crested around 47.5 feet, causing railroad tracks and areas of Henderson to flood.
“That’s just below major flood stage for that point,” meteorologist Mike Kistner said. “Basically, we can expect some significant impacts along the Ohio River for that stretch there.”
Kistner said the major flood stage point at this point of the river is around 48 feet.
“We’re looking at several major impacts up there. Several homes will be flooded and several roads, as well,” he said.
In communities along the southern parts of the river, such as Huntington, the river is expected to crest Monday night at 53 feet, which could result in minor flooding. Kistner did note flooding should not be anything like the flooding in northern communities.
Kistner added the state has been in an active pattern where moist weather systems have been able to move quickly, leaving little time for water to recede and the ground to lose moisture.
“We’re watching another system that should be coming in probably Wednesday night through Thursday. That will bring us the next threat of moderate to heavy rainfall,” he said.
A flood warning remains in place in Wheeling until 3 p.m. Sunday, while communities in the Mid-Ohio Valley are under a flood warning until 9:08 a.m. Monday.