Severe Weather Alerts for Virginia and West Virginia: High Winds and Flooding

West Virginia and southwest Virginia face severe weather alerts, including high wind warnings and flood warnings due to heavy rainfall. Wind gusts may reach up to 45 mph, and multiple local areas are experiencing flooding, particularly along the Bluestone River. Residents are advised to take caution and report flooding incidents to authorities.

A severe weather alert has been issued for high winds, which are expected to impact parts of southwest and west-central Virginia as well as southeast West Virginia. The alert indicates winds from the west at speeds between 15 to 25 mph, with gusts peaking at 45 mph. Residents are advised to remain indoors, particularly on lower floors, and to avoid windows due to the potential for falling debris and fallen trees.

Additionally, a flood warning is active until 4 AM EST on Monday, as excessive rainfall has led to flooding in southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia. Areas such as Tazewell County and parts of Mercer and Summers counties are particularly affected. Several structures are inundated, prompting ongoing sandbagging efforts, while numerous roads remain inaccessible.

At 7:08 PM EST, gauge reports signal ongoing flooding of local streams and rivers, specifically the Bluestone River, which has recorded heights indicating moderate flooding. While the river levels are decreasing and expected to drop below flood stage by Monday morning, communities in Bluefield, Princeton, Richlands, Tazewell, Hinton, and Cedar Bluff are bracing for further flooding impacts.

Residents are urged to exercise extreme caution, especially during nighttime hours, when recognizing flooding hazards becomes more challenging. People should stay clear of unstable riverbanks and culverts and can report flooding impacts to the National Weather Service. Social media is also encouraged for sharing flood-related incidents and images to keep the community informed.

In summary, the region is facing significant weather challenges, including high winds and extensive flooding resulting from heavy rainfall. Authorities have issued warnings and advised residents to remain vigilant regarding safety precautions. Continued monitoring of river levels and storm impacts is essential as conditions evolve, and community engagement in reporting is encouraged to enhance safety efforts.

Original Source: www.bdtonline.com