Wheeling, West Virginia – Drivers along the Ohio-West Virginia state line could encounter water-covered roads within hours as slow-moving thunderstorms redevelop near the Ohio River this afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service, a marginal risk of flash flooding remains in effect through Wednesday night for eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. Storms may produce 1 to 2 inches of rain in a short period, especially where cells repeatedly track over the same counties along the river.
Communities including Wheeling, Weirton, Steubenville and Martins Ferry are most vulnerable to rapid runoff. Low-lying streets near the Ohio River and smaller creeks feeding into it could see quick rises. Interstate 70 near the Wheeling Tunnel and stretches of U.S. Route 22 and State Route 7 in Ohio are prone to ponding during intense downpours. Urban drainage systems may struggle if rainfall rates exceed capacity during peak travel hours.
Motorists should slow down in heavy rain, avoid flooded underpasses and never drive through barricaded roads. Just 6 inches of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
Additional advisories may be issued if storms continue redeveloping along the Ohio-West Virginia border through Wednesday night.
