PARKERSBURG, W.Va. – Drivers and residents from southeast Ohio into north-central West Virginia could encounter rapidly rising creeks and flooded low-lying roads after 4 p.m. Wednesday as another round of thunderstorms targets the region.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a Flood Watch takes effect at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday and continues through Thursday afternoon. The watch covers Athens, Meigs, Morgan, Perry, Vinton and Washington counties in Ohio, along with Doddridge, Harrison, Pleasants, Ritchie, Taylor, Tyler and Wood counties in West Virginia.
Heavy downpours are expected with additional rounds of thunderstorms, particularly later Wednesday night and early Thursday. Excessive runoff could cause rivers, creeks and streams to rise, with some waterways potentially leaving their banks.
Parkersburg, Vienna, Clarksburg, Bridgeport, Grafton, St. Marys and Harrisville are among the West Virginia communities covered. Athens, Marietta, Belpre, Pomeroy, McConnelsville and New Lexington are included in Ohio.
Motorists should avoid flooded roads and low spots where water can rise quickly. People living near creeks, streams and other flood-prone locations should monitor water levels and keep emergency alerts enabled overnight.
The Flood Watch remains in effect through Thursday afternoon. Flash Flood Warnings could follow if repeated thunderstorms produce enough heavy rain for rapid-onset flooding.
