Torrential rain has led to numerous reports of flash flooding in parts of West Virginia, and forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Charleston, West Virginia, issued a Flash Flood Emergency that expanded into portions of Kentucky. FOX Weather Meteorologists Britta Merwin and Craig Herrera have the latest.
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Torrential rain led to a rare Flash Flood Emergency being issued early Thursday for portions of West Virginia, placing areas like Charleston under imminent threat.
The National Weather Service office in Charleston said 2-3 inches of rain have fallen across portions of the region, and emergency officials are reporting numerous high-water rescues in Huntington. Additional rainfall totals of about a half-inch to an inch are possible within the warning area, forecasters said.
“This is a Flash Flood Emergency for Huntington,” the NWS said. “This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now.”
Other locations expected to experience flooding include Chesapeake, Barboursville and Pea Ridge. That includes Interstate 64 in West Virginia between mile markers 6 and 7 and between mile markers 15 and 17.
“Move to higher ground now,” the NWS continued. “This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation. Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order.”
Be sure to refresh this page often and download the free FOX Weather app for updates on this breaking news story.