WHEELING — Local emergency management directors are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast as remnants of Hurricane Nicole are anticipated to cause some rainfall in the Ohio Valley starting early Friday.

National Weather Service of Pittsburgh meteorologist Shannon Hefferan said the current rainfall projections are at 2-4 inches for the Ohio Valley. She noted the NWS is uncertain at the moment as to where the higher amounts will occur.

Hefferan said the rain is expected to start early Friday, coming from the south, and exit Saturday. Regarding flooding potential, she said that, since it has been so dry across the region, she believes the ground will recover quickly.

She added cities should keep their street drains clear of leaves and debris to help prevent ponding on roadways and to keep the water flowing off the streets.

Ohio County Emergency Management Agency Director Lou Vargo said Wednesday it is too early to tell exactly how much rain the Wheeling area will get, but the heaviest rain is expected to occur on Friday. He said the EMA is getting bulletins regarding the storm and its track from the National Weather Service.

“We will get more accurate information from the weather service as it approaches,” he said.

Vargo noted residents who live near creeks and streams need to keep an eye on them for any potential flash flooding.

“Right now the creeks are low. We should be able to take a significant amount of rain. We hope for the best and prepare for the worst,” he said.

“Friday is going to have the heaviest rain. If anyone lives on a creek or stream in the area they need to watch them. If there is flash flooding, call 911 immediately and we’ll get a first responder to you as quick as we can.”

Marshall County Emergency Management Agency Director Tom Hart said his EMA also has been in conversation with the NWS. He noted as of Wednesday the Marshall County area is projected to receive an average of 2.75 inches over a 24-hour period starting midnight Friday.

“That amount could be lower or higher,” he said.

He noted whether flash flooding could occur also depends on how quickly the rain falls. In part of the county, it could be a soaking rain, while in another part it could be more steady.

He said the weather in the county has been dry lately, so dry that a red flag warning was issued Wednesday and for today. A red flag means there is a possibility of brush fires occurring because the ground and grass are so dry.

“A soaking rain is something we could use at this point, but when it’s close to 3 inches or more it could cause some flooding issues,” he said.

“It’s one extreme to the other. … Right now no outdoor burning is allowed. We’re still in the burn season, which means no burning is permitted from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.”