BOOTHSVILLE, W.Va. — Heavy rains combined with already saturated soil are causing concerns of flooding throughout much of central West Virginia, with the areas hit by July’s flooding taking the brunt of the rainfall.
Marion County dispatchers say Mannington is already experiencing flooding, with Water Street completely closed, as well as Water Street’s intersection with Main Street.
Boothsville Volunteer Fire Department responded to a water rescue early Friday morning along Middletown Road.
According to dispatchers, two people were rescued by boat from a pickup truck after attempting to drive through standing water, causing the vehicle to become disabled. Crews were dispatched around 4:30 a.m.
While Harrison County has not yet seen flooding, Harrison/Taylor 911 Director Paul Bump said crews are staying alert for possible issues.
“We’ve got the normal areas where it ponds or where we expect water to be across the roads, and we’re starting to hear some of those. Nothing abnormal for a flooding event yet,” Bump said. “We’re watching it because there’s another half inch of rain coming at us in the next three hours. That’s what’s got me concerned is the upcoming rain and whether it will get into areas we’re not used to seeing.”
Bump said they’re expecting some minor flooding along portions of the West Fork River, “which gives a few streets in Clarksburg some minor issues.”
So far, however, calls of road obstructions or trees being down have been to a minimum.
“Culverts and ditches have been our thing,” Bump said. “Water running across the roads, not creeks coming up into them.”
Bump reminds motorists to be cautious while on the roadways and not to drive through standing water.
“It doesn’t take a lot of water to move your car,” he said. “Not only will that water move you, you don’t know if the road’s washed out or if the edge of the road’s not there anymore. If you can’t see what you’re driving in, don’t drive.”
A flood watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. Friday in Harrison, Lewis, Upshur, Taylor, Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Nicholas, Doddridge, Ritchie and Tyler counties.