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Major flooding pummels communities near Ohio River


Rescuers in New Cumberland spent part of Thursday morning getting a driver out of flood waters.
Rescuers in New Cumberland spent part of Thursday morning getting a driver out of flood waters.
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Heavy flooding is being reported Thursday across the Ohio Valley at locations near the Ohio River.

The river is expected to crest this evening. Major crests are predicted to occur at New Cumberland (39.3 feet), Pike Island (43 feet), Wheeling (42 feet) and Powhatan Point (42.9 feet). Moderate crests are predicted at Steubenville (38 feet), Moundsville (43.6 feet) and Hannibal (37.8 feet).

Wheeling Island residents spent much of the day moving belongings to higher locations as the river begins to inundate streets there. Sandbags could be seen piled up around homes and businesses. The Ohio Valley Regional Transit Authority halted bus service as its vehicles are hubbed on the island.

Officials say if you don’t live on the island or have relatives there, stay away for the sake of first responders and residents. Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier said residents who need should call them as soon as possible.

“What we would like to do is limit any kinds of rescues after it gets dark,” Blazier said. “It makes us less safe for our responders as well as the folks we are rescuing.

“Please don’t go (to Wheeling Island) over there taking pictures. You are hampering the efforts of our rescue crews and putting yourself in danger.”

Mudslides have been an issue as the ground becomes saturated from what was up to five inches of rain in some areas. Wheeling officials say the one covering Route 2 (River Road) south of Warwood should be cleaned up by late Thursday.

In Belmont County, communities along the river, like Martins Ferry, are doing what they can to keep flood waters from causing issues.

Creeks and streams that feed the Ohio River remain full of water and are covering roads from county roads, state thoroughfares, to, in some cases, interstate highways.

Guernsey County Sheriff Jeff Paden reported a 56-year-old Byesville man died after trying to drive to work through flood waters in Jackson Township.

Roads in Hancock County are covered with water as well. A portion of W.Va. 2 in New Cumberland is closed near the dump bridge.

Authorities advise to call ahead to see if the route you need to take alternate routes.

Stay with NEWS9 throughout the day – on air and online – for the latest updates.

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