What is the difference between a flood watch and a warning?

A flood watch means flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to. A flash flood warning is the most urgent and means move to higher ground now.

Is it safe to drive through flood water?

No. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car, so turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth.

AUTHORITATIVE DATA SNAPSHOTUpdated Sep 12, 2026, 9:12 PM UTC

FLOODING · WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia Floods

Current flood and flash-flood warnings for West Virginia from the National Weather Service. Active warnings are mapped by the area each one covers.

CURRENT STATUS2 active warnings

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ANSWER FIRST

Current flooding in West Virginia (2)

West Virginia has 2 active flood warnings right now.

#Hazard / eventSeverityLocationSourceUpdated

1Flash Flood WarningFlash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:04PM EDT until September 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston WVHighCalhoun, WV; Doddridge, WV; Gilmer, WV; Lewis, WV; Ritchie, WV; Roane, WVNWSSep 12, 2026Within the hour 2Flash Flood WarningFlash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 4:45PM EDT until September 12 at 7:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WVHighClay, WV; Kanawha, WV; Roane, WVNWSSep 12, 2026Within the hour

FloodingHigh

Flash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 5:04PM EDT until September 12 at 8:00PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV

Calhoun, WV; Doddridge, WV; Gilmer, WV; Lewis, WV; Ritchie, WV; Roane, WV

NWSWithin the hour

FloodingHigh

Flash Flood Warning issued September 12 at 4:45PM EDT until September 12 at 7:45PM EDT by NWS Charleston WV

Clay, WV; Kanawha, WV; Roane, WV

NWSWithin the hour

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COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a flood watch and a warning?: A flood watch means flooding is possible. A flood warning means flooding is happening or about to. A flash flood warning is the most urgent and means move to higher ground now.
Is it safe to drive through flood water?: No. Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car, so turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth.

CONTEXT

About flooding in West Virginia

A flood watch means flooding is possible; a flood warning means it is happening or imminent. Flash flood warnings are the most urgent and call for moving to higher ground right away.

Most flood deaths happen in vehicles. Turn around rather than drive through water of unknown depth. As little as a foot of moving water can carry away a car.

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