Charleston, W.Va. – Rising rainfall rates could swamp low-lying roads and creeks across West Virginia, southeast Ohio, and northeast Kentucky by late Sunday, with a Flood Watch now in effect for more than 20 counties through 11 a.m. Monday.
According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, excessive rainfall beginning around 1 p.m. Sunday could trigger flash flooding across areas including Charleston, Parkersburg, Huntington, Ironton, and Marietta. The watch extends into Monday morning, especially affecting flood-prone zones near streams, hollows, and underpasses.
In West Virginia, affected counties include Kanawha, Cabell, Mason, Putnam, and Mingo. In southeast Ohio, flooding is possible in Vinton, Jackson, and Washington counties. Greenup, Boyd, and Lawrence counties are among those at risk in northeast Kentucky.
Drivers are urged to avoid water-covered roads and monitor creek levels closely. Those living in flood-prone areas should have evacuation plans ready and charge devices in case of power outages. Emergency crews may issue Flash Flood Warnings if rainfall intensifies.
This is the first widespread flood risk for the tri-state area since late spring. Alerts may be updated if rainfall totals exceed projections.
