Buckhannon mayor asks for prayers for the area
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BUCKHANNON - The mayor of Buckhannon is asking for prayers for the area hit hard by Tuesday night’s severe storm.
At about 9:45 a.m., Mayor Robbie Skinner posted the following to social media:
"First and foremost, the City of Buckhannon, North-Central Upshur County, and everyone here... we need your prayers. Many homes and businesses are badly damaged, and hundreds of city streets and roadways in and around the city remain impassable meaning resources are cut off to many.
"Second: The shelter-in-place order that was issued last night remains in effect. Please... we're asking everyone... DO NOT TRY TO DRIVE THROUGH HIGH WATER. Our emergency response teams are already operating at mass-capacity, and on no sleep. Let's not make their jobs more difficult by driving through flooded areas. Additionally, vehicles create waves of water that can further damage homes and businesses making the clean up efforts more difficult.
"Third: Many cell phone carriers and internet providers are experiencing service interruptions, or no service at all. Upshur Comm. is working as effectively as they possibly can, but the lines to our 911 center are also stressed/overloaded.
The Inter-Mountain photo by Taylor McKinnie
Water flows through the streets of Buckhannon Wednesday morning.
"Fourth: I want to reassure our residents and business owners that our city's water and sanitation plants are safe and fully-operational to deliver the services, however, service and maintenance calls are suspended at this time. The water is safe to drink and use for bathing. All hands are on deck to make sure our essential services remain strong.
"Fifth: City Hall and the Waste Department are both CLOSED today. This means we will not operate our curbside trash pick-up services, and the Transfer Station on Mud Lick Road is also CLOSED today – Wednesday, July 22.
"Sixth: We are receiving an overwhelming number of messages from folks far and wide asking how you can help. We appreciate this gesture more than you know. We're trying to respond to you as quickly as possible, but again, cell phone service and internet access is spotty at best here right now.
"Seventh: Governor Morrisey has declared a state of emergency for our area. This means resources have been immediately deployed to Upshur County to aid in this disaster relief effort. We will be seeing members of the National Guard and state-wide homeland security teams in Buckhannon today and the days ahead. This is an important step, and we appreciate assistance from the State Capitol.
"Eighth: To our media partners: we know we're having a difficult time connecting with you. As soon as communication services improve, we will do our best to answer your questions and provide information.
"Finally... On a personal note... as the Mayor of the City of Buckhannon, my hometown, the place I love so much... I am devastated. This is heartbreaking on so many levels. The damage in many parts of our city is overwhelming. I am heartbroken for every single person who is suffering because of this natural disaster.
"Please know that every member of our city administration, staff, all of our departments, public safety personnel is and will be doing everything we possibly can to help in this situation. The City of Buckhannon is a family, and together, WE WILL GET THROUGH THIS. We are a strong community; something we've proven over and over, and we will do so again."
The Inter-Mountain photo by Taylor McKinnie
The intersection of Cleveland Avenue and First Street in Buckhannon is flooded with water Wednesday morning.