experienced by areas north, streams still ran full and slightly over
banks and into the roads in some areas.
By Stephen Smoot
For much of the Potomac Highlands last week, the storms that moved from south to north, following the valleys of the South Branch watershed served as an inconvenience. Ball games got postponed, outings were interrupted, and plans cancelled in much of the area.
Between Franklin and Brandywine, Fisher Mountain golf course had to close as water damage made the facilities unusable.
The storms that came through on Tuesday were accompanied by National Weather Service flood warnings and the information that, on their release, between two and four inches of rain had fallen to that point.
Lines of storms pummeled Smoke Hole Canyon, Grant County, the New Creek Valley, and the area along the Garrett and Allegany County lines in Maryland. These areas experienced severe flooding that closed roads, brought water into basements, and complicated drives home from work.
On the day of the worst rains, Grant County Sheriff Steve Wratchford announced on Facebook that “if you do not need to be driving in this rain, please stay home.”
It also brought devastation to George’s Creek valley and the towns along it, especially Westernport, Maryland.
Governor Patrick Morrissey issued a state of emergency for Mineral County that same day, but other areas of West Virginia had not seen the rain they had. Delegate Gary Howell noted on his Facebook page later in the week that parts of his district had seen more than six inches of rain.
After the worst had passed, however, Luke McKenzie, Mineral County Office of Emergency Management director, shared that “we are fortunate to report that Mineral County experienced zero injuries during the flood event.
“We thank our first responders and community members for their quick action and cooperation through the event.”
Delegate Bryan Ward whose district covers part of Pendleton and Hardy counties, shared that he kept in constant contact with the West Virginia Department of Highways and other officials as the weather worsened. The former Hardy County sheriff and retired firefighter and paramedic said that at his home in Fisher, “We got 4.3 inches.”
He added that Pendleton and Hardy both “really dodged it in this rain,” explaining that the staggered nature of the storms helped to keep too much water from accumulating in areas that would cause significant threats to life and property.
“We were fortunate the rain stopped when it did,” noted Rick Gillespie, Pendleton County Emergency Services coordinator.
Flooding in the Shenandoah Valley and points east had disrupted travel there as well. A school bus full of Pendleton County Middle School students on a field trip had to wait until waters receded and officials gave clearance before crossing Shenandoah Mountain and returning to Franklin that night.
Damage could have been much worse, Ward noted, had it not been for months of work by the West Virginia Department of Highways.
He stated that “these people travel the roads every day” staying observant and looking for problems that need addressed. Ward also explained that crews had spent months statewide digging debris and accumulations of rocks and dirt from ditches along roadways.
This work conducted since last fall helped to keep stormwater from doing more damage to roadways, from creating more obstructions, and reducing the threat of dangerous conditions. The roadway through Smoke Hole Canyon, US 220 north of Upper Tract, and some other areas saw water over the road, but it created few significant obstacles and resulted in no injuries.
“It’s really a testament to their work and being proactive,” Ward said.
One of the dynamics of the area lies in the ability of storms upstream to have significant effects downstream and to the north. Water accumulates as the rivers widen and deepen on their path to join the North Branch of the Potomac.
Pendleton County will soon get high tech equipment that will benefit the entire area during heavy precipitation events.
In recent Pendleton County Commission meetings, Gillespie has kept county officials apprised of incoming devices to help better monitor the effects of weather. Until now, the United States Geological Survey has maintained a rain gauge on the South Branch at Franklin and the South Fork at Brandywine. No gauges exist on the North Fork in Pendleton County and no rain measurement devices operate in county at all.
Gillespie says of the coming gauges, “Each one will help provide the early warning we need.”
He added that “the gauges are particularly important during the overnight hours when most people are asleep. During these hours, it is less likely that someone will see rising waters and report them.”
The devices will connect to networks that will provide early warning of danger from heavy rainfall or the rise of water in all three rivers running through Pendleton County.
“With our positioning at, or near, the headwaters of many streams, our gauges will support early warning for the entire watershed.”
While most gauges will be in locations that keep the focus on the Potomac Highlands, a proposed rain gauge on Elk Mountain could also be part of early warning for Pocahontas and Randolph counties as well.
While area rescue squads did not receive any calls for water rescues in the region, it was not for lack of trying. Mike Alt, Pendleton County Emergency Rescue training officer, shared photos on Facebook of kayakers assembling in Smoke Hole Canyon well before the water quieted enough for safe recreation.
