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CHARLESTON -- With heavy rain and high winds in the forecast, Gov. Jim Justice on Thursday declared a State of Preparedness for all 55 West Virginia counties.
Thunderstorms and between 1 and 2 inches of new rainfall were predicted overnight, with a 100% chance of rain expected to bring another half to three quarters of an inch today. The odds for rain tonight were pegged at 90%, with another half-inch to three-quarters of an inch possible.
A flood watch is in effect until 2 p.m. Saturday in Wood, Wirt, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane and Tyler counties in West Virginia and Washington, Athens and Meigs counties in Ohio. According to the Weather Service, flooding is possible along rivers, creeks and streams and in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
Weather Service projections show the Ohio River cresting Sunday afternoon about five feet below flood stage at Parkersburg and nearly seven feet below flood stage at Marietta, but there could still be flooding along creeks and streams, in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
"You'll see flooding in the normal areas we have," Wood County Sheriff Rick Woodyard said.
Wind gusts of 30 to 40 mph, with some higher in isolated areas, are expected Saturday as a cold front moves through the region, the Weather Service said.
The State of Preparedness declaration allows the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to ready personnel and resources for quick response to emergencies that may develop, the announcement from the governor's office said.
Coordinating agencies have been placed on standby to report to the State Emergency Operations Center should the need arise.
In declaring the State of Preparedness, Justice urged citizens to take the potentially hazardous weather seriously and plan accordingly.