MCDOWELL COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Residents in parts of McDowell and Mercer counties are under separate Flash Flood Warnings as heavy thunderstorms continue to move through southern West Virginia Saturday.
The National Weather Service in Charleston issued a Flash Flood Warning until 2 p.m. for central McDowell County.
Forecasters said Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the area, with 1 to 2 inches of rain already fallen. Rainfall rates of 3 to 6 inches per hour were occurring, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch of rain possible.
Flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly, with flooding possible along small creeks and streams, low-lying areas, roads, highways and locations with poor drainage.
Communities included in the warning include Gary, War, Bradshaw, Iaeger, Jolo, Avondale, Panther, Coalwood, Stacy, Cucumber, Roseann and Elbert, along with numerous creeks and streams throughout the county.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service in Blacksburg issued a separate Flash Flood Warning until 5 p.m. for southwestern Mercer County, along with portions of Bland and Tazewell counties in Virginia.
Radar indicated thunderstorms had already produced 1 to 1.5 inches of rain, with rainfall rates expected to reach 1.5 to 3 inches per hour. Officials said flash flooding was ongoing or expected to begin shortly.
The warning includes Bluefield, as well as nearby communities including Abbs Valley, Boissevain and the Trailhead ATV Resort.
The National Weather Service warned that flooding may affect small creeks and streams, urban areas, highways, streets, underpasses and other flood-prone locations.
Officials urge motorists to “Turn around, don’t drown” if they encounter flooded roadways, noting that most flood-related deaths occur in vehicles. Residents are also encouraged to report flooding to the National Weather Service when it is safe to do so.
