Update: The earlier flood watch has been upgraded to a warning through early Sunday.
“The pubic reported numerous roads with high water within the warned area. Between 1.5 and 2 inches of rain have fallen,” the National Weather Service said Saturday evening. “Additional rainfall amounts of 0.5 to 1 inch are possible in the warned area by midnight.”
The NWS advised drivers to be careful while traveling.
“Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognize the dangers of flooding,” the NWS said. “In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.”
Original story: The New Year’s weekend will bring steady rain and potentially even a snowflake to the Mountain State, the National Weather Service said Saturday.
Up to two inches of rain could fall today and tonight, according to the NWS, with a mixture of showers and heavy rain expected to linger in the area through Sunday afternoon.
“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible,” the NWS says in a flood watch issued for much of West Virginia, including Buckhannon. “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded.”
Saturday is expected to again be unseasonably warm, with a high temperature of 64 degrees. But winter will return rapidly on Sunday, with the temperature dropping throughout the day. Snow showers are possible Sunday night.
“Creek or river flooding is also possible into Sunday,” according to a hazardous weather statement issued by the NWS. “The rain transitions to snow Sunday night into Monday morning, with minor snow accumulations expected. This combined with any ponding water freezing overnight could cause slick spots on roadways.”
