Update: Flooding shuts down parts of East Bethlehem Boulevard, Elm Terrace and other roads
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BETHLEHEM — East Bethlehem Boulevard at the intersection with W.Va. 88 was closed around 8 p.m. Thursday following heavy rainfall that passed through the region.
The Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Department initially shut the road down near the Char House, blocking traffic from traveling toward the Elm Grove section of Wheeling. Water gushed across the road near the Char House.
Photo by Jared Thompson
Wheeling resident Walker Holloway prepares to clear a drain in the Woodsdale neighborhood following Thursday’s flash flooding in Ohio County.
The closure followed a strong thunderstorm that resulted in the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning for Wheeling.
Elm Terrace Plaza shopping center parking lot was flooded, and flooding also was occurring in other parts of Ohio County. Residents that live in Elm Terrace also reported water in basements for the first time in decades. Roads through the neighborhood currently are closed.
A video posted online by the Silver Rail Bar & Grill on 29th Street in South Wheeling also showed that road covered by water, not far from Mount Zion Cemetery.
There also were reports of roads being flooded and impassable near the Wheeling YMCA and near Uncle Pete’s in Elm Grove.
In the Edgwood neighborhood, Elm Run crested and flooded local roads. There were reports of water in basements as well there.
National Road near the CVS also is closed due to high water.
Officials are asking folks to stay off the roads, but many drivers are out and about this evening to survey the damage.
Numerous other roads also are being assessed at this time including Warden’s Run Road and elsewhere.
The Wheeling Police Department released this statement Thursday evening: “Water has receded on several roadways in various areas of the city after this evening’s downpour. Debris and mud is on several roads -- including National Road in Woodsdale, Elm Street, 29th Street and East Bethlehem Blvd in Elm Grove, Bethlehem and areas of Elm Terrace. Do not drive out at night if you don't need to -- crews are working to assess flooding and areas that need cleaned up.”
The heavy rain Thursday came 12 days after flash flooding in the Valley Grove and Triadelphia communities killed nine and did millions of dollars in property damage.