Flash Flooding and Flooding in West Virginia, February 15 to 17, 2025

Name: Flash Flooding and Flooding in West Virginia, February 15 to 17, 2025
Start: 2025-02-15T13:00
End: 2025-02-17T16:25
Location: West Virginia

February 15 to 17, 2025 · NWS RNK · 18 events in 4 counties and zones

A deep upper level trough was observed exiting the southern Rockies during the morning of February 15th, with southwesterly windflow ahead of the trough allowing for a fetch of deep moisture from the western Gulf of America. 2 inches by early afternoon, which would be around 2 standard deviations above normal for mid-February.

Where it happened

Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.

Tornadoes
Tropical storms and surge
Floods
Wind
Hail
Winter weather
Heat and drought
Cold
Fire, smoke and dust
Marine and coastal
Other

Open the live radar over this ground

The toll

Deaths: 0
Injuries: 0
Property damage: $2.2 million
Crop damage: None recorded
Events: 18

Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.

What happened

The episode as NWS RNK wrote it up.

A deep upper level trough was observed exiting the southern Rockies during the morning of February 15th, with southwesterly windflow ahead of the trough allowing for a fetch of deep moisture from the western Gulf of America. This moisture pooled along a warm front situated across from Kentucky into southwest Virginia, where precipitable water values increased from 0.6 to 0.7 inches at 7 am that morning, to around 1.1 to 1.2 inches by early afternoon, which would be around 2 standard deviations above normal for mid-February. While the warm front shifted northward to the west of the Appalachians, high pressure off the Atlantic coast that was wedged against the eastern face of the Appalachians delayed the northward progress of the warm front. As such, the front provided the focus for training of bands of heavy rain that fell across southeast West Virginia through much of the day on February 15th. The rain fell at rates of 0.3 to 0.5 per hour beginning at around 9 am EST in the morning, which persisted for a 9-10 hour period. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 3.5 inches across southeast West Virginia during this period. Soils across the area were nearly saturated from 2 rounds of widespread precipitation that fell earlier in the month. Additionally, the rain was falling over ground that was partially frozen, and covered in snow and ice from a winter storm that impacted southeast West Virginia a few days earlier, increasing the rapid runoff potential into the creeks and rivers. In this event, CREST Unit Streamflow did not show impressive returns, while MRMS underestimated some of the precipitation totals. It was those factors combined with the high runoff potential of the rainfall that resulted in a lack of realization how quickly river levels were rising, and just how intense the flooding was becoming. CREST Hydrophobic Unit Flow proved to be a more accurate tool in this situation given the frozen ground, with returns as high as 500 cfs/m^2 across Mercer County, which is where some of the most intense flooding was observed. Because MRMS was underestimating rainfall amounts, both the FLASH ARI and QPE/FFG values were also significantly underestimated. In these situation, monitoring ground-truth precipitation totals from a network of private weather stations might have prompted Flash Flood Warnings to be issued sooner.

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Blacksburg, VA wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at Feb 15, 9:58 AM EST, 3 hours 2 minutes earlier.

Area forecast discussion, Feb 15, 9:58 AM EST, 3 hours 2 minutes before

Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
958 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

.SYNOPSIS...
A large storm system over the central United States will spread
rain and freezing rain across parts of the Mid-Atlantic today.
Rain and possibly thunderstorms are possible tonight and Sunday
increasing the threat of flooding. Windy conditions arrive
Sunday afternoon, with much colder conditions Sunday night
and monday as the vigorous storm system moves across New
England.

&&

.NEAR TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/...
As of 945 AM EST Saturday

Key message:

1) Winter Weather Advisory today for freezing rain along the
Blue Ridge and into the WV/VA Highlands.

2) Flood Watch for potential flooding from excessive rainfall
and snowmelt through Sunday along and west of the Blue Ridge.

3) High Wind Watch Sunday for the mountains and foothills.

Leading edge of rain had advanced to a Lewisburg to Roanoke to
Martinsville line. Still seeing a large numbers of
observations with temperatures at or just below 32 degrees,
especially along and on either side of the Blue Ridge. As the
rain begins dew points were rising quickly into the upper 20s
and temperatures were dropping at a much slower rate.

Have adjusted the location of freezing rain based on current and
forecast temperature trends. No changes planned to Winter
Weather Advisories at this time.

Previous Discussion
As of 430 AM EST Saturday

Mid-CONUS winter storm will intensify as it moves into the Ohio
Valley and Great Lakes region today. We are on the warm side of
the system so not expecting any snow today, but we are flirting
with the freezing mark in a few areas which may promote some
light icing as the rain begins later this morning.

Models are forecasting a corridor of strong isentropic lift
(warm front) to become aligned west to east along the Hwy460/I64
corridors this afternoon promoting moderate to occasionally
heavy rainfall...6hr QFP of close to one inch from Bluefield and
Lewisburg to near Lexington and Amherst, VA. This will be the
area to watch for potential flooding this afternoon as snowmelt
may also contribute to the runoff in addition to the rain. South
of the warm front, the precipitation should be lighter in
nature but still leading to the need for an umbrella or frogg
toggs.

Temperatures today will struggle to rise, a result of a
wedge of cold air trapped near the surface. Readings this
morning were in the lower 30s, but should go through a limited
rise today with highs in the upper 30s this afternoon. Exception
will be the west side of the Appalachian Divide where warm air
advection and lack of a wedge will allow for much warmer
temperatures there...close to 60 in Bristol. The highest
elevations of the NC high country may also experience a boost
from warming aloft yielding readings in the 40s this afternoon.

Tonight, the warm front is expected to move north closer to the
Mason-Dixon, which should lead to a lull in the rain activity
over our region...temperatures steady or rising through the
night.

I mention the HIGH WIND WATCH in the Key Points of the near
term discussion so that it does not go unnoticed and we get the
word out to everyone that is going through the clean-up process
and power restoration of the recent ice storm. There are a lot
of hanging hazards out there...damaged tree limbs that are left
hanging over buildings, sidewalks, highways that can easily be
dislodged from the winds that are expected in the wake of this
weekends storm. It is super important to identify these hazards
and either mitigate them today or make a mental note to avoid
them altogether as we transition into windy days Sunday and
Monday. The ground is also super moist and with the rain
expected today and tonight will make it much easier for trees to
be uprooted even with the modest of wind speeds.

&&

.SHORT TERM /SUNDAY THROUGH TUESDAY/...
AS OF 400 AM EST Saturday...

Key Messages:

1) A Flood Watch remains in effect for the western part of our area
through Sunday evening as heavy rain moves through.

2) Winds will be elevated Sunday night into Monday with strong
northwest flow behind the front, causing very cold wind chills
Monday morning.

3) Snow showers expected Sunday night into Monday for the western
upslope areas.

Sunday morning will be active as the main cold front from the system
in the Ohio Valley will move through the area. A line of heavy
showers and possibly even a few thunderstorms for the piedmont will
quickly move through by early afternoon. High rainfall rates will
cause some flash flooding concerns, especially for our counties in
West Virginia. There is a marginal risk for excessive rainfall
across our area for Sunday. Total rainfall expected is around an
inch on Sunday, with possible higher amounts northwest of I-81.
Showers will linger behind the front into the evening as the upper-
level trough moves through. Strong northwest flow will move in
behind the front as the pressure gradient remains tight over the
area. Winds of 20-30mph and gusts of 40-50+ mph are expected in the
higher elevations. With elevated northwest winds, snow showers will
be possible for the western slopes Sunday night, with flurries
possible as far east as the Blue Ridge. Snow totals will be minimal
at lower elevations, with flurries to a dusting possible. The NC/VA
mountains into West Virginia may see 1-2"+ while western Greenbrier
County in WV has trended up in snow totals and could see around 3-
5".

Winds begin to lessen Monday morning as the low moves further away
from the area, which will end any remaining snow showers. By Monday
morning, high pressure over the Midwest begins to ridge into the
area. Dry and quiet weather is expected to continue for Monday and
Tuesday, though temperatures will remain well below average.

Speaking of temperatures, Sunday will see a warm day, as strong
southwesterly flow ahead of the front will cause high temperatures
to rise into the 50s/60s. Mid to upper 60s may be possible for the
eastern piedmont before the frontal passage. Much colder air behind
the front will keep highs in the 30s/40s for the early week. With
strong winds and colder temperatures, wind chills will be quite low
Monday morning. Below zero wind chills are increasingly likely for
the highest elevations west of the Blue Ridge, with 5 to 10 below
possible in western Greenbrier County. Single digits will be
along/west of the Blue Ridge at lower elevations while the piedmont
will have wind chills in the teens. Low temperatures remain
consistent through the period, with teens/20s behind the front for
Monday and Tuesday.

&&

.LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH FRIDAY/...
AS OF 400 AM EST Saturday...

Key Messages:

1) A midweek storm system is increasingly likely to bring wintry
weather back into the area.

2) Well below average temperatures continue through the period.

The quiet weather for the early week comes to an end by midweek, as
yet another winter storm approaches the area. Models have come into
a good general agreement for a low pressure system to develop along
the Gulf Coast and swing up somewhere near the East Coast and head
into the Northeast late next week. The exact track is still
uncertain and will play a vital role into how much precipitation
falls across the area. P-type currently looks to be mostly snow,
with some mixing to the south and east. Models also agree on timing
of the system, with the first snow flakes arriving Wednesday
morning. The most intense snow looks to occur Wednesday night into
early Thursday morning.

Models differ in two main areas with the system: the first being the
track of the low. The ECMWF has the system hugging the coast, which
will keep heavier precipitation over our CWA, while the GFS has the
storm slightly further offshore, meaning less precipitation for our
area. The track difference is only around 100 miles, but will
determine where the heaviest band of snow and/or mixed precipitation
sets up. The other main difference is that the Euro has a much
stronger, deeper upper-level trough compared to the GFS, which would
also support heavier precipitation. Until the models can come into
better agreement on these differences, confidence in precipitation
totals remains low. However, confidence is increasing that an
impactful winter storm will impact the area for the middle of next
week.

The system moves out of the area by midday Thursday, with lingering
upslope snow showers expected on the western mountain faces through
Friday morning. Quiet weather then returns for the late week into
next weekend with high pressure controlling the pattern across the
area.

Temperatures continue to remain well below average, with highs in
the 20s/30s each day. Morning lows will be in the teens/20s midweek,
but by Friday will fall into the single digits west of the Blue
Ridge with low teens for the piedmont. Teens will be expected area-
wide Friday night into Saturday.

&&

.AVIATION /15Z SATURDAY THROUGH WEDNESDAY/...
As of 600 AM EST Saturday...

Mid clouds with bases 8-12kft to persist through 13Z/8AM.
Models then bring increasing low level moisture with MVFR cigs
developing between 13z/8AM-15Z/10AM. Also expecting development
of light rain or freezing rain (pending surface temperature)
late this morning and continuing through the afternoon. A layer
of low level stratus will then develop late in the day and
overnight Saturday night with potential for IFR-LIFR
conditions. Light surface winds are forecast through the 24hr
valid TAF, but they will be increasing aloft, introducing
potential for LLWS.

Models have been slowing down the arrival time of precipitation
with onset mid-late morning. Stable air near the surface will
result in development of a cold wedge along the Blue Ridge
Saturday, keeping temperatures cold enough to support freezing
rain at the onset for KLWB, KBCB, and KROA, lasting 1-4 hours.
Temperature should slowly inch above freezing later in the
afternoon with all precipitation falling as rain.

In general expecting poor flying weather from about 14z/10AM
through the end of the valid TAF. Models suggest potential for
dense fog tonight, but this will depend on whether the cold
wedge persists or if it becomes scoured by increasing warm
southerly winds. The HRRR suggests a fairly large area of LIFR
VSBY developing east of the Blue Ridge tonight and persisting
until a cold front crosses the area Sunday.

.EXTENDED AVIATION OUTLOOK...

A strong cold front will cross the area Sunday. Deep convection
along the front will produce moderate-heavy intensity
rain with potential for embedded thunderstorms, LLWS and
moderate to severe turbulence. Timing of the front Sunday...12-16Z
for BLF/LWB/BCB and 14-18Z ROA/LYH/DAN.

Behind the front ceilings/vsbys improve east of the mountains
but windward slopes may keep sub-VFR with snow showers across
BLF/LWB into early Monday. Also west to northwest winds behind
the front Sunday could gust over 40 mph along/west of the Blue
Ridge.

Should be VFR into late Tuesday maybe even Tuesday night but
another winter storm could bring poor aviation conditions across
the mid-Atlantic/NC midweek.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
As of 545 AM EST Saturday...

Key Message:

     -Flood Watch in effect until Sunday evening along and west of
      the Blue Ridge

The Dan River at South Boston remains in minor flood but is
falling and is expected to drop below flood stage this morning.

A river flood warning remains out for the Greenbrier River at
Alderson, where 1 to 2 inches of rain at or upstream looks to
bring it to minor flood on Sunday.

Snow melt will also contribute to runoff. Snow remains on the
ground over portions of southeast WV into the Alleghanys and
southern Shenandoah Valley. With the ground saturated, the
runoff efficiency in these areas will be high.

The upcoming rain event is expected to come in two time periods.
The first occurring with the warm front today. The second coming
with the cold front passage Sunday. Don't get caught off guard.
In spite of a lull in rain activity forecast early tonight, the
second wave of rain with the cold front Sunday may tip the
scales with respect to flash flooding. A line of showers with
potential for embedded thunderstorms associated with the cold
front may result in a short duration burst of rain that could
lead to flash flooding Sunday.

At the very least, those near small streams and rivers should
prepare for potential flooding. Small streams and creeks will
rise very quickly when the ground is saturated. Rivers will
respond a little slower (lag time) but can rise just as rapidly
if thunderstorms with heavy rain enter the equation.

The Greenbrier, Upper James, and upper Clinch river valleys are
especially susceptible to river flooding due to the wet
antecedent conditions and headwater higher elevation snow pack.

&&

.RNK WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
VA...Flood Watch through Sunday evening for VAZ007-009>020-022>024-
     035.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for VAZ011-
     013>020-022>024-032>035.
     High Wind Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning
     for VAZ010>020-022>024-032>035.
NC...Flood Watch through Sunday evening for NCZ001-002-018.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for
     NCZ001>003-018-019.
     High Wind Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning
     for NCZ001-002-018.
WV...Flood Watch through Sunday evening for WVZ042>044-507-508.
     Winter Weather Advisory until 7 PM EST this evening for WVZ043-
     044-507-508.
     High Wind Watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday morning
     for WVZ042>044-507-508.

&&

SYNOPSIS...PM
NEAR TERM...AMS/PM
SHORT TERM...JCB
LONG TERM...JCB
AVIATION...PM
HYDROLOGY...PM

Hazardous weather outlook, Feb 15, 7:31 AM EST, 5 hours 29 minutes before

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Blacksburg VA
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

NCZ003-019-161245-
Surry-Wilkes-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina
and northwest North Carolina.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well
as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.

NCZ001-002-018-VAZ011-013>020-022>024-035-WVZ043-044-507-508-161245-
Ashe-Alleghany NC-Watauga-Giles-Pulaski-Montgomery-Grayson-Carroll-
Floyd-Craig-Alleghany VA-Bath-Roanoke-Botetourt-Rockbridge-Amherst-
Summers-Monroe-Eastern Greenbrier-Western Greenbrier-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING...
...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northwest North Carolina,
central Virginia, southwest Virginia, west central Virginia and
southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Watch.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well
as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.

NCZ004>006-020-VAZ043>047-058-059-161245-
Stokes-Rockingham-Caswell-Yadkin-Henry-Pittsylvania-Campbell-
Appomattox-Buckingham-Halifax-Charlotte-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for north central North Carolina,
northwest North Carolina, central Virginia and south central
Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

There is a low probability for widespread hazardous weather.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation is not expected at this time.

VAZ010-012-WVZ042-161245-
Bland-Wythe-Mercer-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH MONDAY
MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia and
southeast West Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.
   High Wind Watch.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well
as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.

VAZ032>034-161245-
Patrick-Franklin-Bedford-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS
EVENING... ...HIGH WIND WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
MONDAY MORNING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for south central Virginia,
southwest Virginia and west central Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Winter Weather Advisory.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   High Wind Watch.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well
as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.

VAZ007-009-161245-
Tazewell-Smyth-
731 AM EST Sat Feb 15 2025

...FLOOD WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for southwest Virginia.

.DAY ONE...Today and tonight.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Sunday through Friday.

Please listen to NOAA Weather Radio or go to weather.gov on the
Internet for more information about the following hazards.

   Flood Watch.

Blustery conditions with much colder air comes in for Sunday night
and Monday.

Another winter storm system may impact the region Wednesday and
Thursday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Weather spotters are requested to report hail of any size, as well
as any damage caused by thunderstorm winds in their area.

The radar

The Roanoke radar (KFCX), 96 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:00 UTC.

Open the radar archive at this moment

Event by event

12 flood, 6 flash flood. Local standard time, as filed.

Flash Flood, Mercer

When: February 15, 1:00 PM EST to February 16, 2:00 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, 0.99 mi E of Flat Top to 0.44 mi ESE of Lovern
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $2.0 million
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.581, -81.102

Heavy rain had caused multiple streams and creeks across the county to flood out of their banks and across nearby roads and properties. This included Daves Fork, Christians Fork, Lorton Lick Creek and the Bluestone River. In the Green Valley area, the South Fork Brush Creek was observed flooded out of its banks across Blue Prince Road. In Bluefield, the fire department was called out to block off multiple streets that became flooded and impassible. In the Town of Princeton, several roads were reported to be flooded and impassible, among them was Stafford Drive from Trent Street to Ingleside Road where a vehicle became stranded. Multiple swift water rescues were reported from across Mercer County due to vehicles becoming stranded in the water, as well as homes becoming surrounded by the inundation. Of those, four people were rescued from a camper that floated down Buttermilk Junction Road due to Crane Creek flooding that area. Nearby, one motorist required rescue when the vehicle became stranded in flooding near the intersection of Crane Creek Road and Lorton Lick Road. Near the community of Montcalm, a Facebook post indicated that Crane Creek had risen rapidly out of its banks and surrounded homes on Jims Branch Road. Multiple residents along the road required rescue to evacuate the homes, but it is uncertain to what extent the homes were inundated with flood waters. Widemouth Creek was observed overflowing its banks and inundating portions of Route 10 in the community of Matoaka, with floodwater reported to have entered homes and businesses in the surrounding area. At least two swift water rescues were reported taking place near the creek. Two water rescues were reported taking place along Kegley River Road. There were 479 homes affected, with 90 homes sustaining major damage and 18 were reported destroyed. Roadways and other infrastructure also experienced damage.

Flood, Mercer

When: February 15, 3:07 PM EST to February 16, 2:30 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, 1.2 mi ENE of Willowton to 0.5 mi NE of Willowton
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.359, -80.861

The East River at Willowton, WV (ERVW2), crested at 12.88 feet (5,839 cfs) at 6:45 pm EST on the 15th above the flood stage of 9.0 feet. This is the highest documented crest of this gage since 2012, and is between a 10-year and a 25-year flood (10%-4% Annual Exceedance Probability) per USGS StreamStats. Multiple properties along Kellysville Road upstream of the gage were flooded, with 2 mobile homes destroyed by the force of the water. Multiple pets required rescue from backyards near the banks of the river.

Flash Flood, Mercer

When: February 15, 3:35 PM EST to February 16, 3:00 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, 0.74 mi SW of Kellysville to 1.48 mi W of Noles Gap
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $50,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.342, -80.939

The East River rapidly overflowed its banks and flooded portions of Kellysville Road, surrounding homes and churches. Two mobile homes along the road were destroyed in the flooding.

Flash Flood, Summers

When: February 15, 3:40 PM EST to 9:20 PM EST
Where: Summers County, 4.45 mi W of Ellison to 2.53 mi N of Nimitz
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $100,000
Reported by: Emergency Manager
Coordinates: 37.584, -81.081

Numerous creeks have overflowed their banks and flooded roads across Summers County due to rainfall totals ranging from 2 inches in the northern portion of the county, to nearly 3.5 inches in the southern portion of the county, all falling within a roughly 10-hour period. Much of the ground across the county was covered with snow and ice, increasing the runoff potential of the precipitation. The prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall also triggered several mudslides within the county.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 4:00 PM EST to 7:00 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.36 mi NE of Ronceverte to 0.34 mi NE of Ronceverte
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.754, -80.466

Water was observed flooding into the basement of a house near the intersection of Fairmont Avenue and Charles Street.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 4:00 PM EST to 8:00 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.34 mi ESE of Caldwell to 0.36 mi ESE of Caldwell
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.777, -80.395

A minivan became stranded in the Monroe Draft railroad tunnel as it tried to pass through about 2 feet of water. The motorist was able to evacuate to safety.

Flash Flood, Monroe

When: February 15, 4:00 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST
Where: Monroe County, 1.23 mi E of Peterstown to 0.8 mi E of Peterstown
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $15,000
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.402, -80.798

Rich Creek was observed overflowing its banks several inches deep across Highway 219 and along Sycamore Street, impacting the Broyles-Shrewsbury Funeral Home. Brush Creek was also observed flooding across Hansbarger Road. Green Valley Road was also observed flooded several inches deep near Highway 219.

Flood, Mercer

When: February 15, 4:07 PM EST to February 16, 2:56 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, 2.98 mi WNW of Camp Creek to 1.74 mi WNW of Camp Creek
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.496, -81.151

Camp Creek at Highway 19 near Camp Creek, WV (CCKW2), crested at 10.62 feet at 8:25 pm EST on the 15th above the flood stage of 7.0 feet. This is the new flood-of-record for this gage, with records dating back to 2014. The flooding was the result of between 3 and 3.25 inches of rain falling across the Camp Creek basin in about 10 hours ending at 7:30 pm on the 15th. The administrator for Camp Creek State Park, upstream of the gage, reported that a couple buildings in the Mash Fork Campground had water intrusion into them. Possible that the private campground along Camp Creek Road near Highway 19/Beckley Road were surrounded and perhaps flooded.

Flood, Summers

When: February 15, 4:35 PM EST to February 17, 1:15 AM EST
Where: Summers County, 5.26 mi WSW of Pipestem to 4.82 mi W of Pipestem
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.493, -81.054

The Bluestone River at Pipestem, WV (PIPW2) crested at 17.00 feet (21,391 cfs) at 9:15 pm EST on 2/15/25 due to 2.75 to 3.5 inches of rain falling across the basin within a roughly 10 hour period caused by training heavy showers. This was a 100-year flood (1% annual exceedance probability) per USGS StreamStats, was the second-highest crest recorded for this gage, and the highest crest since March 2010.

Flood, Mercer

When: February 15, 4:40 PM EST to February 17, 10:05 AM EST
Where: Mercer County, 1.31 mi N of Kegley to 1.16 mi S of Spanishburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.419, -81.130

The Bluestone River near Spanishburg, WV (SPNW2), crested at 20.00 feet above the Major Flood Stage (18 feet) at 1:35 am EST on the 16th. This is the highest documented crest dating back to 2010. Flooding from the river inundated Highway 19/Beckley Road in several places. The Spanishburg Elementary School had flood waters enter the building. The camper park on Soaring Eagle Lane near where the river crosses under Beckley Road was completely surrounded by floodwaters from the river. Water rescues were reported in the Lake Bottom and Matoaka areas.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 4:53 PM EST to 7:30 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.96 mi E of Lewisburg to 1.11 mi E of Lewisburg
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.800, -80.433

Water from a pond was observed flowing ankle deep across Judyville Road.

Flash Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 5:00 PM EST to February 16, 3:30 AM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 1.83 mi SW of Harts Run to 1.75 mi WSW of Harts Run
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.752, -80.354

Harts Run was observed flowing out of its banks several inches deep across Harts Run Road. No damage was observed to the roadway.

Flash Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 5:00 PM EST to 9:00 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 1.75 mi NE of White Sulphur Spgs to 1.74 mi NE of White Sulphur Spgs
Cause: Heavy Rain
Property damage: $10,000
Reported by: 911 Call Center
Coordinates: 37.797, -80.276

Water from Wades Creek has risen several feet out of its banks, and surrounded multiple trailers, with water entering at least 2 of them.

Flood, Monroe

When: February 15, 6:20 PM EST to February 16, 9:35 AM EST
Where: Monroe County, 4.08 mi WSW of Wayside to 1.22 mi W of Wayside
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.565, -80.772

Indian Creek near Red Sulphur Springs, WV (INCW2) crested at 14.33 feet (6,788 cfs) at 12:15 am EST on the 16th above the Moderate Flood Stage of 14 feet (Minor Flood Stage is 10 feet). This was caused by between 2.5 and 3 inches of rain falling over a 10 hour period ending at around 8:30 pm on the 15th. Snowmelt was a factor given the 4 to locally 8 inches of snow that fell across the basin 2-3 days prior. Soils were partially frozen and saturated from recent heavy precipitation, and stream levels were already running high given flooding of Anthony Creek earlier in the month. This is the highest documented crest of this gage since 2012 and the first documented that exceeded Moderate Flood Stage. This event is about a 5-year flood (20% Annual Exceedance Probability) per USGS StreamStats.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 15, 9:45 PM EST to February 16, 6:20 AM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.98 mi ENE of Woodman to 1.49 mi NE of Woodman
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.907, -80.305

Anthony Creek near Anthony, WV (ANYW2) crested at 15.00 feet (Flood stage is 14 feet) at 1:35 am EST on the 16th. This was caused by between 1.75 and 2.5 inches of rain falling over a 10 hour period ending at around 8:30 pm on the 15th. Snowmelt was a factor given the 8 to locally 12 inches of snow that fell across the basin 2-3 days prior. Soils were partially frozen and saturated from recent heavy precipitation, and stream levels were already running high given flooding of Anthony Creek earlier in the month.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 16, 2:00 AM EST to 5:40 AM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.3 mi N of East Rainelle to 0.83 mi WSW of Mc Ross
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.974, -80.770

Sewell Creek abv Little Sewell Creek at Rainelle, WV (RANW2), crested at the minor flood stage of 14.30 feet at 3:30 am EST on the 16th above the flood stage of 14.0 feet. The flooding was the result of between 2 and 2.50 inches of rain falling across the Camp Creek basin in about 11 hours ending at around 9:00 pm on the 15th. There were no reports of flooding received from the Town of Rainelle, though similar flooding events of the past have resulted in flood waters entering people's properties.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 16, 6:00 AM EST to 11:00 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 1.7 mi E of Rockland to 1.51 mi E of Rockland
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: Public
Coordinates: 37.727, -80.489

Water from the Greenbrier River was observed out of its banks and covering low spots along River Road. No damage was reported to the road.

Flood, Greenbrier

When: February 16, 6:40 AM EST to February 17, 4:25 PM EST
Where: Greenbrier County, 0.9 mi SSW of Charmco to 0.7 mi WNW of Charmco
Cause: Heavy Rain
Reported by: River/Stream Gage
Coordinates: 37.987, -80.734

The Meadow River at Hines, WV (HNEW2) crested at the Moderate Flood Stage of 16.09 feet (Flood stage is 14 feet). This was caused by between 2 and 2.5 inches of rain over an 11 hour period due to training showers along a stalled front. Some snowmelt was involved from 8 to 12 inches that had fallen 2-3 days prior. Ground was partially frozen and soils were wet. Streamflows were already running high from flooding events earlier in the month. Water was observed covering Highway 60 in the Hines and Rupert areas. Water was also observed over Tommy Hall Road just upstream from Rupert.

What these are

Flash Flood: Flooding that begins within six hours of the rain that causes it, or of a dam or levee failure or ice jam release, often with deadly speed.
Flood: Flooding that develops more slowly than a flash flood: rivers leaving their banks, or water standing over land for an extended time.

After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.

The same day elsewhere

Every storm in West Virginia in 2025 Every state in 2025 This day in weather history Warnings in West Virginia, February 2025

Sources

NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 1239511, 1228356, 1239508, 1239829, 1239594, 1239620, 1239642, 1228016, 1228302, 1228335, 1239612, 1239597, 1239604, 1228434, 1228220, 1228199, 1239624, 1228209.