Flood Conditions Improve in Southern W.Va., Now What?

Flood waters that left residents stranded in their homes have receded in most places, according to emergency services in some southern West Virginia Counties. The flood warning issued by the National Weather Service  remains in effect until 6:45 p.m. Thursday for parts of West Virginia.

Emergency Services throughout the region say flooding or high water levels have improved, although the region is bracing for bitter cold temps.

In Fayette County dispatchers say at one time high waters stranded folks living in about 400 homes in Pax, Weirwood, and Horse Creek.  They say, for the most part roads, are opening back up.

Dispatchers in Raleigh County say residents in about 10 homes remain displaced from their homes in Violet Lane in Beaver after being evacuated Wednesday.

Dean Meadows, Director of Wyoming County, Emergency Services says folks in about 100 homes at Coon Branch are accessible with a four-wheel drive. Meadows says the water has receded but there is still a pile of mud and snow on the road.

Meadows says  emergency officials used a boat to rescue a pregnant woman in labor from that area on Wednesday.

Dispatchers throughout the region are now prepping for colder temps which could create even more challenges for the region.

The National Guard is assisting with monitoring the region. Meadows says the state of emergency declaration by the governor has reduced the possibility of major issues in the area.

On top of the flooding, several West Virginia Counties are under winter storm warnings until 7:00 p.m. tonight. Ice and snow has created dangerous driving conditions. Temperatures are expected to dip overnight putting emergency officials poised to open shelters for the thousands without power in West Virginia.

According to Appalachian Power’s website, 34, 957 AEP customers were without power as of 4:50 p.m. Thursday. There are almost 10, 000 customers in Cabell County without power.