Floods, Flood Warning Moves Downstream As Winter Weather Advisory Creeps In

Flood waters in southern West Virginia are lower than they were yesterday and road conditions are improving, but emergency management officials say they are still monitoring the situation and remain active in the region. 

The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reports the flood wave will continue moving down the involved rivers, including the Tug Fork River and the Bluestone River from Spanishburg in Mercer County to Pipestem in Summers County. Impacts will lessen as the wave moves downstream.

According to the National Weather Service, there’s still a flood warning around the Tug Fork River at Williamson, Mingo County, as well as in Mercer and Summers. It will last until at least Friday evening.

The DHSEM reported minor flooding on the New, Meadow and Coal rivers Friday.

The NWS also has issued a winter weather advisory for portions of central, northern, southern and western West Virginia. That entails 2 to 4 inches of heavy snow until 1 p.m. 

The DHSEM is aware of roads still being closed in McDowell, and Wyoming counties. Mingo County has requested help from the Division of Highways for its roads.

On Thursday, McDowell County officials issued a State of Emergency for the area, freeing up state resources from the DHSEM and the West Virginia National Guard, the latter of which was stationed outside a fire station in War, McDowell, to provide resources as they are requested. 

Welch, McDowell received the greatest amount of rain on Thursday, at 3.36 inches. Eight roads remain closed. 

In Wyoming County there are roughly 300 residences without power and five roads closed, according to the DHSEM.

The State Emergency Operations Center remains partially activated, after a request from Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday. The American Red Cross and the Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are available to assist state and local emergency operations throughout the day as requests are made. 

Snow from Friday morning will and scattered showers throughout the day could lead to 1 to 3 inches of snow and water in the lowlands and 3 to 7 inches in the mountains.

The DHSEM reported warming temperatures in lower elevations during the day could help improve roads, while lower temperatures tonight could create icy road conditions.

Emily Allen is a Report for America corps member.