Flooding Coming To Pocahontas
Marlinton, WV – According to the NWS in Charleston, it’s not a matter of “if” Pocahontas will see flooding this weekend, but how much. It all depends on the track of a low pressure storm system heading toward the Allegheny Highlands. Complicating the picture is the amount of snow still left on many ridges throughout the listening area.
A great deal of the snow on the eastern and southern slopes in Pocahontas has already melted. But the northern and western slopes still have plenty of snow that could melt in heavy rain and warm temperatures this weekend. Charleston meteorologist John Sikoro says that could mean flooding on Rt 219 in the Slatyfork area.
Sikoro says the Greenbrier River could crest as high as 13 or 14 feet at Buckeye. During the flooding in January of this year, the Buckeye river guage crested at almost 14ft, resulting in moderate flooding in Marlinton. Seibert and Durbin could also see flooding this weekend.
PC Emergency svc director Melvin martin recommends all those in low lying areas take precautions and prepare for possible flooding. He’s hopeful that any flooding will be less severe than that experienced in January, but urges residents to be prepared. Sand and sand bags are available in the Town of Marlinton. Sand is at the town garage on Fourth Avenue. Sand bags will be available from the Marlinton Fire Department garage on Second Avenue Friday morning.
Residents in Highland and Pendleton counties are also urged to be aware of a flooding possibility. Meteorologist Andy Woodcock, with the NWS in Sterling, VA, says Highland and Pendleton could see heavy rain this weekend.
Click on the above link to hear more from Meteorologist Woodcock.