MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Residents from eastern Ohio through northern West Virginia and southwest Pennsylvania could face rapidly rising creeks and flooded low-lying roads beginning after 4 p.m. Wednesday, with the threat increasing overnight.
According to the National Weather Service, a Flood Watch takes effect at 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday and remains in place through Thursday afternoon. The watch covers 10 eastern Ohio counties, Washington and Greene counties in Pennsylvania, and seven counties in northern West Virginia.
Additional rounds of thunderstorms carrying heavy downpours are expected, particularly later Wednesday night and early Thursday. Excessive runoff could push rivers, creeks and streams higher while flooding low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Morgantown, Wheeling, Fairmont, Weirton and Moundsville are included in West Virginia. Washington, Canonsburg and Waynesburg are covered in Pennsylvania, while Steubenville, Zanesville, Cambridge, New Philadelphia and St. Clairsville are among the Ohio communities facing the threat.
Drivers should avoid flooded roads, highway dips and other low spots during heavy rain. Residents near creeks and streams should monitor water levels and keep weather alerts enabled overnight. Never attempt to drive through standing or moving floodwater.
The Flood Watch continues through Thursday afternoon. Flash Flood Warnings could be issued if repeated thunderstorms produce enough rain to trigger rapid flooding.
