Charleston, West Virginia – Steady rain will soak roadways along Interstate 64 and Interstate 77 through Sunday afternoon, with rainfall totals approaching 1 inch in southern counties and raising the risk of localized flooding before sunset.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, a low pressure system tracking south of the region is producing widespread rain across West Virginia and southwest Virginia. The heaviest rainfall, between one-half inch and 1 inch, is expected from Beckley and Bluefield north toward Logan and Summersville through 6 p.m. Sunday. Rainfall rates may briefly intensify during the midday and early afternoon hours.
Recent dry weather will limit widespread flooding, but localized flash flooding remains possible in southern West Virginia, particularly along US-19, I-77 and low-lying stretches of Route 52. A marginal risk for excessive rainfall includes Mercer, McDowell and Wyoming counties. Water pooling on roadways and reduced visibility will create hazardous travel during heavier downpours.
Melting snowpack in the mountains combined with rainfall may also trigger ice movement on area rivers and streams early this week. If ice jams form, water levels could rise quickly upstream and cause sudden flooding if the blockage breaks. Residents near creeks and rivers should monitor water levels closely.
Rain tapers from west to east by Sunday evening. Additional river rises and isolated flooding concerns could continue into early week as runoff moves downstream.
