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Water, water seen everywhere

HIGH WATER — New Cumberland Park was among many areas flooded by the Ohio River on Saturday. High water also resulted in state Route 2 through the city and other many roads in Jefferson County being closed. -- Craig Howell

With the Ohio River exceeding its banks and into streets, parks and the lower levels of some homes and businesses and excessive runoff washing over many areas roads, emergency personnel and residents living close to waterways have had a very busy weekend.

Lee Hendricks, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service, said of the 36 counties overseen by the agency’s Moon Township, Pa. office, most are experiencing flooding at some level.

Early Saturday West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declared a statewide state of emergency, citing the rising river and heavy rainfall that resulted in rock slides and road closings.

Hendricks confirmed the Ohio River rose above the flood stage of 36 feet in most areas of Brooke, Hancock and Jefferson counties but not more than 2 to 3 feet, putting them in the NWS’ category of moderate flooding.

The category relates to the number of buildings and other infrastructure affected and the extent of potential damage, among other conditions.

Wellsburg Fire Capt. Tom R. Diserio said Saturday evening the river was measured at 38.8 feet, nearly 3 feet above flood stage. He said as it recedes, firefighters will be available to help residents pump out their basements.

Those needing such assistance should call (304) 737-0313 or 737-3660 beginning Sunday morning.

Diserio said Wellsburg firefighters had begun preparing for the flood Thursday night and could be found at the station through much of Friday and Saturday.

On Saturday they and members of the neighboring Franklin Community Fire Department aided downtown Wellsburg residents in moving heavy appliances and possessions out of the water’s reach.

Diserio said many local officials, including EMA Director Bob Fowler, worked together in an effort to reduce the flood’s impact.

Fowler said the West Virginia Division of Highways, with limited manpower, worked very hard to address many water covered roadways and slips in Brooke County.

While several roads in the Wellsburg-Bethany area were closed Friday, all had been reopened Saturday evening.

“We still have some rough spots in the roads. People need to exercise caution,” Fowler said.

Orange cones have been placed along a few areas of state Route 67 where the edge of the road and land beneath it are eroding.

The Hancock County Emergency 911 Center reported Saturday evening the section of state Route 2 in New Cumberland was closed because of high water. The river also flooded New Cumberland Park, among other areas.

On Saturday evening crews and emergency officials were contending with many roads made impassable by high waters. They included state Route 150 from Rayland to Connorsville, the state Route 7 north and south exits to Rayland, Old State Route 7 to Pattons Run, county Road 17 near Route 7, county Roads 51 and 68 near Toronto and county Road 6 near Adena.

Hendricks said the Ohio River’s levels will drop very gradually over the next few days. For example, after cresting at about 37.6 feet at the New Cumberland Lock and Dam Saturday afternoon, the river level will remain high enough to be monitored until early Tuesday.

Area emergency crews and affected residents also are expected to see a relief from the heavy rainfall that contributed to the flood.

Hendricks said while there is an 80 percent chance of rain today, it’s not expected to yield more than a fourth of an inch of precipitation.

Temperatures also are expected to rise, from highs and lows in the 30s today to the upper 50s and possibly 60 degrees by Monday.

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