The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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March 11, 2010

Flood warning issued for Nicholas County

By Courtney D. Clark Register-Herald Reporter

BECKLEY — Precautionary measures were being taken Thursday in Nicholas County after the National Weather Service issued a flood warning through Saturday.

A dispatcher at the county’s Emergency Operations Center confirmed high water levels in areas, and Richwood Mayor John McClung said his town was taking steps in preparation for possible flooding along the Cherry River.

“We’re obviously monitoring the river,” McClung said. “In fact, I’m beside it right now.

“It’s up, and it will go up,” he added, “but it all depends on how much rain we really get.”

According to the mayor, a few people in town were moving belongings to higher elevations and Richwood Middle School was sandbagging doors.

“There’s a nursing home that can be affected by rising water,” McClung continued. “They are on standby and have a plan in place, and the fire department is on alert.

“We just try to move as rapidly as possible and be ready, if and when the water comes,” he said.

Richwood has had a number of close calls since a November 2003 flood damaged or destroyed nearly 400 homes and businesses.

“Somehow we always manage to get through it, and most of the time with very few problems,” McClung said.

Simone Lewis, a meteorologist at the NWS in Charleston, said the flood warning was issued Thursday for Nicholas, Pocahontas, Webster, Randolph, Upshur and Barbour counties after emergency managers indicated creeks and streams were running high.

“The high water is being caused by melting snow due to warmer temperatures,” Lewis explained. “Then we are expecting some rather heavy rain as well.”

The flood warning for Nicholas County is in effect until 7 p.m. Saturday. Flash flooding is not expected.

“At this time, we don’t have anything issued for Fayette, Raleigh or Wyoming counties, but that may change,” Lewis added.

“There’s still a little uncertainty as to how much rain those areas might get.”

As for Summers, Monroe and Greenbrier counties, the NWS issued a flood watch at 6 p.m. Thursday.

The NWS said above-freezing temperatures will also affect the counties, as most, if not all, of the considerable snow cover is expected to melt by the weekend.

In addition, the potential for heavy rain from Friday into Saturday makes at least minor flooding on the Greenbrier River likely.

The flood watch will remain in effect until Saturday afternoon.

 — E-mail: cclark@registerherald.com

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