Flash floods have impacted all 14 counties in the Ohio Valley, including Tyler and Wetzel Counties. In Sistersville, the Ohio River is expected to reach a crest of 38' 1", while New Martinsville could see 37' 8". Although these levels are lower than neighboring counties such as Ohio and Marshall, the damage is still evident.
"The water came up faster than we were expecting," said Mollie Toppe, WVU Extension Agent for Wetzel County 4-H.
As of Wednesday evening, Sistersville City Park was submerged by several inches of water, following the recent laying of $18,000 worth of mulch.
"We've had to clean out everything down at the park," noted Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice. "We had to shut down three out of four of our sewer lift stations, the golf course, the tan yard, and the water plant lift stations."
In Wetzel County, high waters have also inundated recreational areas like the County's 4-H grounds.
"When we arrived, the water was quite high, getting close to our building where we have a concession stand and some other storage," Toppe added.
In anticipation of the coming days, the Magnolia High School football team assisted local residents and businesses in moving belongings to higher ground.
"Be aware of this. You've got to be safe," Toppe emphasized. "Get things out of your basements and help your neighbors, of course."
"Don't drive through any of the water," Rice warned. "Don't try to go through it, because you don't know what you're going to be driving over."
Officials in both counties are calling for volunteers to aid in the cleanup process following the storm.