Local Emergency Authorities Keeping An Eye on Opequon Creek Flooding; Has Not Been this High Since the 90s

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — With two inches of rain falling in some areas of the Eastern Panhandle Tuesday, Emergency Services in the area are keeping a wary eye on the Opequon Creek, which may see flooding levels today not seen since the 1990s.

The Jefferson County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reports that at At 2:30 Wednesday morning, the stage was 9.5 feet.  Bank-full stage is 9.0 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet.

JCOHSEM reports the creek is expected to rise above flood stage early this morning to a crest of 11.5 feet this afternoon.

Rainfall Data from the National Weather Service showing rain over the 24 hour period January 9th through the 10th

“This crest compares to a previous crest of 11.5 feet on 03/24/1991.”

Meanwhile, Emergency Responders from both counties are keeping an eye on roadways that are subject to flooding.

A message from Berkeley County Public Safety warns “At 10.0 feet, floodwaters begin to cover Douglas Grove

Road (County Road 9/16) east of Martinsburg. A portion of Bower
Road is also flooded. Low lying areas near the creek begin to
flood. Water also begins to cover the stream access point at the
Van Metre Ford Pedestrian Bridge.”
“At 11.0 feet, Water begins to cover backyards of homes on Bowers
Road (County Road 1/1). Douglas Grove Road (County Road 9/16) is
flooded and impassible. Water also approaches Golf Course Road
(County Road 36) and Grapevine Road (County Road 9/14).”
Public Safety experts warn motorists to not drive through flooded roadways.
Click here for flood safety and preparedness information