CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for 33 of the state’s 55 counties from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
According to meteorologists, rain from Tuesday along with rain from the past week has caused the ground to become saturated.
“Streams, creeks and rivers are also running at elevated levels,” Tuesday’s weather statement sad. “With the expected rain on Wednesday and into Thursday, any rain will be mainly runoff. This will increase the chances for flooding along streams, creeks and rivers”
The counties under the flash flood watch include:
Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Lincoln, Putnam, Kanawha, Roane, Wirt, Calhoun, Ritchie, Doddridge, Mingo, Logan, Boone, Clay, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, McDowell, Wyoming, Upshur, Barbour, Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas and Randolph counties.
Gov. Jim Justice has asked the state Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to prepare for possible flooding.
“Because of the heavy rain predicted again this week, I’ve asked state agencies to be ready to respond,” Justice said in a statement. “We stand united with our communities and are prepared to provide all possible resources if flooding should occur.”
The SEOC said daily briefings involving several agencies would continue.
The West Virginia National Guard announced Tuesday evening it would be ready if flooding occurs.
The Guard said beginning Wednesday morning it would identify and and place three liaison teams (LNO), four Community Assistance Teams (CATs), and one medical evacuation flight crew on a four-hour recall.
“Our West Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen stand ready to respond to the needs of our state as we continue to deal with the impacts of these storm systems,” state Adjutant General James Hoyer said in a news release. “We train daily for these types of operations and are the best this Nation has to offer as a homeland response force in the event of a state emergency.”
National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. With the rain today, along with what has already fallen this week and the rain in the forecast, there is a potential for flooding along streams, creeks and rivers. pic.twitter.com/urwxt2gKkM
— Kanawha County (@kanawhaus) February 11, 2020