Drone photos courtesy Wheeling Fire Department
WHEELING, W.Va. — Mayor Glenn Elliott says this is the highest Ohio River has been in his city in 20 years.
The river is expected to crest at just below 42 feet Thursday evening. Elliott said that would result in more than half of Wheeling Island being flooded.
“People on the island have seen this before. They know to get stuff out of their basements. It is a very unpleasant situation.” Elliott said Thursday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
The river flooding adds to what has been a tumultuous weather week in the state with a major wind storm Tuesday morning through the I-64 corridor and points south, a tornado in Fayette County and several inches of snow in the eastern mountain counties.
Gov. Jim Justice amended his state of emergency that he issued earlier this week for Kanawha, Lincoln, Nicholas and Fayette counties to now include Barbour, Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Wetzel and Wood counties
Elliott said those who operate the casino on Wheeling Island closed the doors on Thursday in anticipation of the flooding. Water had already covered Wheeling Island Stadium by mid-morning Thursday.
“People live near the river are used to this. It hasn’t been this high since 2004. It’s definitely a concern,” Elliott said.
Wheeling Creek which runs through the heart of Wheeling was still in its banks at noon Thursday and Elliott expected it to stay that way.
Elliott said no one likes a flood but at least they had time to get ready.
“The nice thing about river floods is that you usually have a day or two to project what’s coming, it’s not a flash flood situation,” Elliott said. “A lot of the homes over there on the island, over the years they stopped putting the furnaces and hot water tanks in the basements and they’ve raised them up a little bit because of the recurring problem there.”
Floodgates working in Parkersburg
Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said the city’s floodgates were installed by city crews on Wednesday and are working well.
Joyce said installing the gates is a labor intensive process.
“I’m proud of our guys,” Joyce said.
Joyce said Parkersburg did not see the wind damage like points south did so there’s full power to work the floodgate pumps.
There has been some minor flooding along Worthington Creek.
The Parkersburg Floodwall has been around for nearly 90 years but it underwent some necessary improvements in recent years.
The City of Wheeling released the following information on flooding:
– The Ohio River has reached “Moderate Flood Stage” – 40 feet – Be Aware of high water on various streets on Wheeling Island, Center Wheeling, and South Wheeling. (Expected crest is 41.9 feet late afternoon).
-If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1.
–Don’t drive through flooded streets, alleys or walk through high water.
Major Road Closures:
-Water Street at Heritage Port (12-14th Street)
-Most of the South end of Wheeling Island, near Wheeling Island Stadium, Casino area.
-Area near Water Pollution Control in Center Wheeling
-Benwood area near 48th Street
Update on WV Route 2 / River Road:
-Crews from Appalachian Power have completed electricity repairs.
-WVDOH is working to clean up the area and the road will remain closed through the day and into the evening Thursday.
Parking Cars:
-Free Parking is available to park cars for those in flooded areas in the 10th Street and Intermodal Parking Garage. Use the Main Street side to enter/exit.
Access to Wheeling Island:
-I-70 Exit 0 and the Bridgeport Bridge will remain OPEN for RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES.
-Onlookers in vehicles are being asked to avoid flooded areas.
Important Numbers:
If the public has questions about flooding, please call the Emergency Management Agency at 304-234-3757.
When water recedes below flood stage, and residents need their basements pumped, please call 304-234-3711. Your address will be added to a list, and fire department personnel will respond.
Tetanus Shots:
-The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is offering free tetanus shots. Shots will be administered starting at 9 a.m., Friday, April 5 until 3 p.m. You must be a West Virginia resident and no appointment is needed. They can be reached at 304-234-3682.