The remnants of Hurricane Ida reached the Greenbrier Valley around noon on Tuesday, Aug. 31.
Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Mike Honaker explained that as of Wednesday, around 10 a.m., the outlook was good.
“Everything is still good right now. I was just in the 911 Center, it seems the only issue we have had was with a few trees in the road, which were dealt with pretty quickly by first responders. We have no reports of flooding or water standing in the road yet. The rain will continue today, so we’ll see how it goes, but I am optimistic we are going to be fine.”
On Monday, Aug. 30, the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management set out a Nixle alert to anyone signed up for the service.
“The National Weather Service in Blacksburg has issued a flash flood watch for portions of southwest Virginia and southeast West Virginia, including the … in southeast West Virginia, Eastern Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Western Greenbrier … from Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday evening,” reads the alert.
“Heavy rainfall is expected as the remnants of Hurricane Ida move through the region Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning. Widespread rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected with locally heavier amounts of 3-5 inches possible where any spiral rain bands set up and persist over a particular area for any period of time. Localized thunderstorms could also result in excessive rainfall in some locations.”
“Widespread minor flooding is expected which will impact low-lying, poor drainage, and typically flood prone areas. Small creeks and streams will likely rise out of their banks and flood adjacent areas. Flash flooding will be possible in areas where heavier rainfall occurs. Landslides and mudslides will also be possible in areas of steep mountainous terrain. Some roads and highways could become closed as a result of mudslides and/or flooding/flash flooding.”
To check river and stream levels in Greenbrier County, stream gauges provide constant updates to the water level. The data can be accessed by going to “https://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis”, then click the map under “Search for Sites With Data.” The next screen will be a map with all possible sites across the country. Look on the left for “Search by Site Number(s)” and enter one of the following numbers for the following locations.
As of Wednesday, Sept. 1, around 11 a.m., the stream gauges show –
• 03182900 – Howards Creek at White Sulphur Springs shows an approximate one-foot rise in water level since Aug. 31 at noon.
• 0318989690 – Sewell Creek in Rainelle shows an approximate six and a half foot rise in water level since Aug. 31 at 8:15 a.m.
• 03189863 – Meadow River near Hines shows an approximate two and a half foot rise in water level since Aug. 31 at noon.
• 03182890 – Greenbrier River at Caldwell shows an approximate 0.4 foot rise in water level since Aug. 31 at noon.
• 03183500 – Greenbrier River at Alderson shows an approximate 0.1 foot rise in water level since Aug. 31 at noon.
On Aug. 31, Governor Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to the increasing threat of flash flooding and severe storms from the Ida remnants.
“All West Virginians need to absolutely be ready for the potential impact Ida may bring to our state,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginians should pay extra close attention to emergency officials and media outlets. And please: do not endanger yourselves, your loved ones, or our first responders by trying to drive through floodwaters.”
To sign up for Nixle, which texts Homeland Security updates as they are issued, text your ZIP CODE to 888777 for mobile alerts.
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