CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for a wide area of West Virginia, warning that heavy rainfall this afternoon and evening could lead to flash flooding in flood-prone and low-lying areas.
The Flood Watch is in effect from 2:00 p.m. Thursday, July 17, until midnight.
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The alert covers dozens of counties across the state, including Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Pleasants, Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Wirt, Wood, and Wyoming.
Fayette, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Randolph, and Webster counties are also included.
Forecasters say the risk stems from heavy downpours expected to fall on already saturated ground, increasing the likelihood of excessive runoff.
Repeated rounds of rainfall over the same areas may further raise the risk of flash flooding in rivers, creeks, and streams.
Residents are urged to stay alert, monitor local forecasts, and avoid flooded roadways.
Additional safety tips are available at weather.gov/safety/flood.
