KINGWOOD, W.Va. — High water is expected in Preston County, but the threat isn’t reported to be widespread.
“What they’re predicting is that the Cheat is going to crest at 17.9 feet, which is just almost two foot above flood stage,” said Preston County OEM Director Duane Hamilton. “It’s going to effect like the Rowlesburg Park and stuff, but we don’t anticipate any structures being damaged.”
In addition to the park, Hamilton said those who use campers on the river and some parts of Rt. 72 might be impacted.
“We’ve put out warnings to people with campers and stuff along the river already,” he said. “Rt. 72 would close at 18 feet, which is going to be right with where they’re predicting it’s going to crest. That would be right there at that margin. We’re not really predicting any kind of major problems right now.”
Though Hamilton feels better about the chances of avoiding a major flood event in Preston County, he said they are watching what’s happening in the Tucker County town of Parsons closely.
“Anything that happens there is going to eventually happen there,” he said. “And they’re saying they should be cresting any time now.”
The Cheat River is expected to crest around 7 or 8 p.m. Monday night.
“It may get into it a little bit, but for the most part traveling shouldn’t be bad,” Hamilton said. “Rt. 72 would be the only one I know that would be affected by it.”
A flood warning is in effect for the Rowlesburg area until 3:20 a.m. Tuesday morning.
A mixture of rain and snow showers are expected Monday evening.