Greenbrier County officials have issued a flood warning to residents due to saturated ground, snow melt, and heavy rains.
According to Paula Brown of Greenbrier County Homeland Security & Emergency Management, National Weather Service models earlier this week predicted a 25% chance of an 18-foot crest of the Greenbrier River at Alderson and Ronceverte, which would be historic.
“We are still planning for a 17-foot crest,” says Brown, “but the Alderson crest has dropped to 15 due to a decreased rainfall forecast as it pushes further north.”
“We should have a break from the Saturday rain in the afternoon/evening, but at dawn Sunday see heavy showers followed by snow showers in the afternoon and possible high winds,” according to her.
Flood threat by town
Here’s a summary of the flood threat based on data from the US National Weather Service’s Friday afternoon briefing:
Caldwell area is expected to crest at 14-15 feet.
Ronceverte crest will be 17-18 feet (last week it was 16 feet).
Alderson crest measures 15-17 feet (last week it was 15 feet).
The Meadow River is also expected to flood, as it did last week, with water flowing along Route 60 in Lilly Park in Rainelle.
Flooding will happen in streams and rivers. Precipitation is expected to begin at midday on Saturday and continue through Sunday. Officials are concerned about overnight flash flooding because people may be unaware of rapidly rising water levels. Depending on the weekend’s rainfall, crests should arrive early Monday morning.
Shelter Information
The State Fair of West Virginia welcomes any campers who need to relocate from the river to higher ground. “It’s free,” says Kelly Collins, the State Fair’s CEO. “If you need to come over the weekend, you can park in the handicap lot and call us Monday.” To contact the office, call 304-645-1090.
Rhema Christian Center is prepared to serve as a shelter if residents in the Ronceverte area require it. The Appalachian Regional Commission delivered a Red Cross trailer to Alderson residents this week at the old elementary school site.
Ronceverte Report
Mayor Deena Pack states, “The city is following the recommendations of the Department of Homeland Security and the National Weather Service.” At this point, it appears that we will have high water this weekend as the snow melts and more rain falls, though the amount of precipitation has recently decreased.
We are sharing updates with our residents via social media, and we have advised businesses and residents near the river to relocate as soon as possible to higher ground. Our City Administrator is working closely with Emergency Management to stay up to date on flooding forecasts and projections.
“Residents can work together to relocate unsecured property to higher ground. They can also contact City Hall with any questions, and if there is an emergency, we ask that everyone call 911 right away. As always, the City advises residents not to drive through any water-covered roadways.
“We will be on alert all weekend and employees will be on call and available to assist, as needed.”
Alderson Report
Mayor Travis Copenhaver says, “We expect to see a 15-foot crest on Monday. However, we are closely monitoring the rain this weekend.
“Please remain vigilant and pay attention to warnings and notices.” Updates are available at www.aldersonwv.gov and on the town’s official Facebook page.”
RealWV will provide the public with additional information as it becomes available from county and local officials.
