WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): Heavy rain is currently impacting our area, which has already seen copious amounts of rain and snow this month. Meteorologist Christian Boteler has the details:
These are the current warnings issued for the area:
Flash Flood Warnings are in effect for Greenbrier, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, Tazewell, and Wyoming until late tonight. However, we foresee this warning being extended. A Flood Watch is in affect for our entire area until Monday, February 17th at 1am. Winter Weather Advisories have also recently expired in the Greenbrier Valley and Pocahontas County at 7pm today. More Flood Warnings are possible as more rain falls in the area.
2.5 to 3.5 inches of rain will fall through Sunday across most of the area, which will cause flooding once again. However, this flooding will be exacerbated by the already saturated soil and the snowpack still hanging around, particularly in the Greenbrier Valley. Impacts will range from swelling and flooding of rivers, streams, and creeks, to mudslides and power outages. As more rain falls and the winds pick up, these winds and saturated soil can lead to trees and power lines being downed easier, causing outages and potential property damage. Be sure to have supplies such as food, water, and battery powered devices prepared in case of an outage.
Rivers, streams, and creeks will be impacted heavily due to the rainfall and runoff from the remaining snowpack. The Greenbrier River in Alderson will likely rise above 16 feet in depth, causing flooding issues across town and downstream into Monroe and Summers counties. Other streams and creeks will also swell and overflow during this event. DO NOT drive or wade into flood waters. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
