CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Some West Virginia communities could be in for flash flooding during the July 4th holiday weekend if storms set up and move slowly.
The National Weather Service has both extended and expanded a flash flood watch to include approximately two dozen counties. The watch stretches into Friday night.
According to meteorologists, the ground has become saturated in many areas due to rain Tuesday and Wednesday and any additional rain could cause problems. Heavy rain in parts of Mason and Raleigh counties Wednesday caused flooding in Leon and Beckley.
Street flooding and flooding in poor drainage areas could happen in the watch zone along with flooding along small streams and creeks, the National Weather Service said.
The flash flood watch covers all or parts of Barbour, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson, Lewis, Fayette, Mason, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Webster, Pleasants, Ritchie, Webster, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wirt and Wood counties.
July 4th high temperatures in West Virginia will once again be in the upper 80’s with muggy conditions.
We have extended & expanded the FFW Even though your county may be outside the watch, keep in mind the entire area is primed and the environment is ideal for flash flooding to occur with just about any strong storm today. Monitor the weather here: https://t.co/1XjYQU5v0D pic.twitter.com/AcmwH8cbvK
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) July 4, 2019