The weekend celebration of the 250th Anniversary of American Independence came in sunny, but steamy, then exited rainy. Storms hustled their way through different sections of Pendleton County, bringing heavy rains and high water, but not derailing the celebration of 250 years of American independence.
An army of volunteers braved the stiflingly hot weather on Thursday as temperatures climbed into the upper 90s and, in some cases, likely edged into the triple digits. During the day, they worked to set up the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department annual lawn party.
They set up food booths, games, and tents under which attendees could escape the hot sun, but also at times showers of rain.
Friday found Franklin ready for the festivities. Attendees enjoyed music from DJ Tony Calhoun, chowed down on fresh made hamburgers and hot dogs, but leaving room to sample some of the homemade pies and cakes. Ice cream by the serving or the three-gallon bucket waited to be purchased and thoroughly enjoyed.
A dunking booth, games, and the fun of coming together to celebrate American Independence brought great crowds despite the first truly hot weather of the summer. Kids leapt into the bouncy house, always a huge crowd pleaser.
Later in the evening, Franklin’s Main Street hosted the traditional parade.
The fun continued on Saturday evening, but Mother Nature got involved in the fireworks somewhat.
Powerful, but scattered storms, swept through the Potomac Highlands into northern Virginia, Maryland, and also Washington, D.C. Not long after the 5 p.m. opening, rain put a temporary damper on the lawn party in Franklin. Some ducked under tents, others raced to the dryness of their vehicles.
Storms hit harder farther south. At about 5:30 in the evening on Saturday, the National Weather Service issued an “Immediate Broadcast” of a severe thunderstorm warning. It warned of high winds, a “considerable hail threat,” and “continuous ground to cloud lightning.” While no hail was reported, trees fell on power lines near Seneca Rocks and along US 220 near Ruddle.
The main fury of the storm, however, swept south of Franklin and skies cleared enough for crowds to gather once again. Most stayed for an incredible fireworks show that launched at 9:30.
Yet the wild weather theme of the weekend continued into Sunday.
As Independence Day revelry on Saturday turned to Sunday church, chores, and/or rest, another set of storms ranged across West Virginia. At about 7 p.m. the National Weather Service activated a flash flood warning for central Pendleton County. Two large storm centers passed through Franklin and Brandywine, while a smaller cell ranged north of Seneca Rocks. The NWS reported in the warning that “between 2 and 3.5 inches of rain have fallen” and predicted one to two more in the affected area. They poured rain onto land already heavy with water from Saturday’s rains.
One of the areas predicted to see flash flooding was Ruddle. Near the Poor Farm a culvert that was choked with debris overflowed. Waters blocked the road temporarily and left dangerous debris on US Route 220. Upper Tract Volunteer Fire Department responded to return the highway to safe travel. They were supported by Franklin VFD and also the West Virginia Department of Highways.
Mike Alt, training officer for Pendleton County Emergency Rescue, reported that the cleanup took little time. He said the water “raised quick and went down quick” and that “there was water in the road maybe an hour altogether.”
