Eyes on rising waters

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Above average... A tree’s roots are already submerged in a creek near Falls Mills, Va. Snow melt and heavy rains have many across the region concerned about flooding. Staff photo by Jon Bolt

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March 13, 2010

By CHARLES OWENS Bluefield Daily Telegraph The Bluefield Daily Telegraph Sat Mar 13, 2010, 05:00 AM EST

BLUEFIELD — Emergency officials across the region spent the night keeping a close eye on area streams and creeks thanks to a threat of heavy rain and flooding. A flash flood watch issued by the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., for Mercer, Tazewell, Bland, Giles and Wythe counties continues through this morning. Forecasters warned of the possibility of 1 to 2 inches of rain overnight, and more rain is expected this morning. In West Virginia, Gov. Joe Manchin authorized the West Virginia National Guard as a precaution to potential flooding and later declared a state of emergency. Manchin said guard members will be stationed in areas where flooding may occur. “The safety of West Virginians is always my number one priority,” Manchin said in a statement issued Friday. “We encourage all residents to watch local weather reports and those living near waterways or in flood-prone areas to use good common sense and be prepared just in case flooding becomes a problem.” The state of emergency includes Mercer and Monroe counties in southern West Virginia. Jimmy Gianato, director of the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, said those in flood-prone areas should take extra precautions, including making a emergency kit with basic supplies, like water, a first aid kit, non-perishable food, essential medication and a battery-operated flashlight and radio with extra batteries. A combination of heavy rain, a continuing snow melt and an already saturated ground was expected to cause small stream and creek flooding, meteorologist Ken Kostura said. “I don’t think the Clinch is expected to go out, but it will have to be monitored,” Kostura said. “Streams and creeks could be a problem. If you get a heavier downpour, and it has nowhere to run, and the run off starts to get into the creeks then you to watch them.” Kostura said homeowners living in flood-prone communities, and near rivers and streams, should be vigilant. With the ground already saturated from the recent snowfall melt, the threat of flooding increases. “It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your rivers as they come up,” Kostura said. “At the watch stage, that means it is likely, and there is good potential for it (flooding) to happen. Especially in places where there is nowhere else for the rain to run.” Additional rain is expected today and tonight, as well as Sunday. Kostura said there is also a chance of thunderstorms, which could enhance the threat of flash flooding. The current trend of warmer weather will continue into next week with highs expected in the mid 50s. There is a slight chance of snow Monday morning in the Bluefield area before the temperature rises and precipitation transitions back to rain. Kostura said no snow accumulation is expected. — Contact Charles Owens at cowens@bdtonline.com