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West Virginia rivers are rising due to snow melt and heavy rainfall. The Tygart River near Philippi and Belington is expected to enter flood stage with Friday’s afternoon rain.
Rivers across the state are expected to rise over Friday night and into Saturday.
Jeremy Micheal, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said snow melt has saturated the soil, limiting its ability to absorb rain water.
“When you add on the rain, and then the accelerated additional snow melt that we had overnight, and then this morning, it definitely can cause issues,” Micheal said.
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division has warned against rockslides.
“With the recent rainfall, rockslides can happen suddenly, so we encourage drivers to remain alert and cautious,” said a West Virginia Emergency Management Division official in the press release.
The central and southern half of the state are under a flood watch. Micheal said it’s important to pay attention to changing conditions, and to never try and cross moving water.
Micheal said rain is expected to stop over the weekend as warmer weather moves in.
The Ohio River is expected to crest at about 42 feet on Sunday evening.