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Heavy, Steady Rains Cause Flooding

By Staff | Feb 16, 2018
Cherry Lane in New Martinsville was under water Friday, Feb. 16. (Photos by Frances Headley)
Pictured are rising waters near Tyler Consolidated High School.

Heavy and steady rains caused creeks, streams, and ditches to overflow Feb. 16, making for flooded roadways in Wetzel and Tyler counties. Tyler County Schools closed due to flooding, and the Tyler County Education Association cancelled an informational picket that was scheduled for that evening. The TCEA’s picket was to be held on the bridge at Tyler Consolidated High School. Areas of Elk Fork and Big Run, along with Route 23, flooded. Flooded areas in Wetzel County included the Route 20 areas of Piney, Jacksonburg at Legion Park, and the bottom of Slim Chance Hill. At 1:06 p.m., Feb. 16, the Office of Emergency Services had reported a mudslide on Route 20, near the Jacksonburg Pitstop. The West Virginia Department of Highways was expected to take care of the situation.

After the waters recede, however, the attention of residents, especially those who live alongside the river, will turn to rising river waters.

As of 12:44 p.m., Feb. 16, the Ohio River at Hannibal Lock and Dam was expected to crest at 35.4 feet on Feb. 18. Flood stage is 35 feet. At 35 feet, flooding begins in New Martinsville on North Main Street near Virginia Street. On Feb. 16, emergency officials were moving some of the county vehicles, that are normally located behind the courthouse, to the Office of Emergency Management/911 center in Steelton.

Meanwhile, New Martinsville residents were preparing for river flooding at their homes. Julie Mace said she was preparing to clear out the basement of her home, while Judy Staley said she was making preparations for the removal of her furnace and hot water tank.