Flood waters return to region
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ELKINS - Heavy rain on Saturday night into Sunday morning caused high waters to inflict more damage on our region, which was the site of deadly flooding on July 21.
On Sunday afternoon, multiple trees were down due to high winds, and several roads were closed by flood waters around the local area.
In Randolph County, US 219 near the Elkins Speedway in Kerens was closed to traffic Sunday afternoon due to high water.
Flooding issues were also reported in Montrose and the Leading Creek area, where flood water completely surrounded the Leading Creek Fire Department Sunday.
In Barbour County, Route 57, running from Barbour County to Clarksburg, was closed to traffic at one point Sunday due to flooding.
W.Va. Route 76, leading to Adaland Mansion in Barbour County, was also closed for a time Sunday.
In Upshur County, the Kesling Mill Road, in the Buckhannon area, was closed at one point due to high water Sunday.
The National Weather Service continued to extend a flood warning for southeastern Barbour County and northeastern Randolph County on Sunday. The warning was originally set to end at noon, and was then extended to 6:15 p.m. Sunday and eventually through Monday morning.
The flood warning stated that "flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations is imminent or occurring."
The NWS also warned that "flash flooding and severe thunderstorms remain possible through Monday morning."
"Heavy showers and storms continue to be possible across the area through the weekend," the NWS post read. "A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for much of the area until 8 p.m. Heavy downpours within storms could also result in flash flooding. A flood watch remains in effect into Monday morning.
"Additional showers and thunderstorms are expected through Monday. The primary hazard will be flash flooding, but damaging winds can also occur in stronger storms. A tornado or two cannot be ruled out. A break in the pattern may occur starting Tuesday."
The NWS forecast for the Elkins area calls for an 80% chance of rain today, but then mostly sunny skies on Tuesday.
On Friday, Gov. Patrick Morriseyannounced the State of Emergency he declared for all of West Virginia during the July 21 flooding will be extended until Sept. 19 in 12 counties – including Upshur, Barbour, Randolph and Tucker.
Local officials in the affected counties requested the extension, according to Morrisey’s office.
Two Upshur residents lost their lives in the July 21 flooding. In Upshur and Lewis counties alone, 33 homes were destroyed, with 91 other homes experiencing major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted.