Dealing with stormwater runoff

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – When it rains, it pours. Residents of Mercer County know that all too well when it comes to heavy downpours.

Multiple storm drains are positioned across Princeton and surrounding areas.

Why does the water sometimes reverse and can back up through the very same drains intended to prevent flooding?

Director of the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management, Keith Gunnoe, said when the creeks are full, there’s sometimes nowhere for water to go.

“River levels are all depending on how well those stormwater management drains work. Obviously if the river gets higher then the water backs up through the storm drains,” said Gunnoe.

When heavy rain persists, Gunnoe said the drains may begin to overflow if the rivers and creeks get too high.

“Some water drains are typically all caught into overflow into Bush Creek. So once Bush Creek reaches a certain height or certain level, that kind of slows down that water draining out of the town of Princeton or various other communities,” said Gunnoe.

Gunnoe advises community members to be aware of the weather around you. Using apps like the Stormtracker 59 weather app will keep you up to date on all the latest weather and warnings you’ll need to know about.

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