Huntington, WV – A Flood Watch remains in effect into Saturday morning across parts of northeast Kentucky, southeast Ohio, and western West Virginia as repeated rounds of rain continue to raise the threat of flash flooding.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected through tonight, with locally higher amounts possible where thunderstorms or heavier downpours develop.
The watch includes Huntington, Parkersburg, Athens, Ashland, Gallipolis, Ironton, Marietta, Louisa, Ripley, Point Pleasant, and surrounding communities along the Ohio River Valley.
Forecasters said areas that received heavy rainfall earlier this week will be especially vulnerable to flooding. Excessive runoff could quickly cause rivers, creeks, streams, and low-lying roads to flood, particularly in urban and poor drainage locations.
Counties under the Flood Watch include Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence counties in Kentucky; Athens, Gallia, Jackson, Lawrence, Meigs, Vinton, and Washington counties in Ohio; and Cabell, Mason, Wayne, Wood, Jackson, Pleasants, Tyler, Wirt, and Ritchie counties in West Virginia.
Drivers are urged to avoid flooded roadways, especially overnight when water-covered roads are harder to recognize. Residents near creeks and flood-prone locations should closely monitor weather alerts and be prepared for possible Flash Flood Warnings.
Rain is expected to continue through much of Friday night before gradually tapering early Saturday.
