Charleston, West Virginia – Flash flooding is underway across central and southern West Virginia, with up to 2 inches of rain already on the ground before sunrise Friday and additional heavy rain moving through until 8:30 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, Doppler radar shows thunderstorms producing intense rainfall across Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln, Fayette, Raleigh, Logan, Mingo and Wayne counties. Radar estimates indicate 1.5 to 2 inches have fallen since early morning, triggering rapid rises on small creeks, streams and poor-drainage roadways.
Water is covering low-lying roads in multiple communities.
Madison, Logan, Montgomery, Chapmanville and areas near Chief Logan State Park and Hawks Nest State Park are under the warning. Flooding may impact sections of U.S. Route 119, WV Route 17 and secondary roads prone to high water. Urban streets, underpasses and low-water crossings face the highest risk before the morning commute peaks.
Emergency managers warn that most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Drivers should not attempt to cross water-covered roads.
What residents should do now: Avoid travel if possible, monitor local alerts and report flooding to emergency services or the National Weather Service at 800-401-9535 when safe.
Heavy rain is expected to taper after 8:30 a.m., but road conditions may remain hazardous through midmorning as runoff continues. The Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 8:30 a.m. Friday.
