Staying safe with flooding risks in southern WV

BEAVER, WV (WVNS) – Steady rain, which could lead to high water issues is expected in our eastern counties Thursday night into Friday morning.

When confronted with high or fast moving water, some people tend to panic.

Will Davis, a Public Information Officer with the Beaver Volunteer Fire Department, said staying safe is all about having the right information.

“Even six inches of water, if you try to walk across it, can knock you off your feet. Twelve inches of water can actually pick up a small car and two feet of fast-moving water can send an SUV or large truck down river. So, you need to be very careful. That’s why they say ‘turn around don’t drown,'” said Davis.

Davis said if high water is not near your home, you should stay put until the threat is over. He said even if you know the roads, the risk of them being washed out underneath the water is still very real.

Davis advises everyone to tune into their local radio or news station for the most up to date weather information during storms like these.

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