Harrison County and a handful of other West Virginia counties are under a flood warning through 8:45 p.m. today.

 

According to the National Weather Service, moderate to heavy rains will continue over the area with as much as one to two inches of rainfall possible. The rain, combined with the saturated ground due to recent wet weather, will likely lead to flooding of creeks, streams and rivers already running high.

 

Director of Harrison County Office of Emergency Management Laura Pysz said some bodies of water, including some in Bridgeport, were quite high earlier today and that there was standing water in some areas for a short period of time

 

“They were the usual spots in Bridgeport including Benedum Drive and Hall Valley Drive,” she said.

 

The Harrison County Bureau of Emergency Services media log showed flooding on Benedum Drive at 9:35 a.m. today.

 

Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart said his department has not received any calls for flooding of residences or businesses.

 

Pysz said if the area gets another heavy downpour, roadways can quickly become covered in standing water.

 

“Currently, the heavy rains are south of us,” she said. “Hopefully, they stay there and don’t shift north.”

 

A flood warning is issued when flooding is imminent or occurring and a flood watch is issued when conditions are favorable for flooding. 

 

Some portions of West Virginia, also including Harrison County, continue to be under a flood watch through Thursday morning.

 

Throughout that time, residents are urged to take precautionary measures. Always turn around when encountering flooded roads. Most flood deaths occur in vehicles, Pysz said. In hilly terrain, there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. She said to never attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route. 

 

Editor's Note: Above photo is a file photo taken in 2018 along Broadway Avenue/Hall Valley Drive.