Water rescues continue in Upshur County as waters rise

Key Points:

• Catastrophic flooding in Upshur County, West Virginia, has reached unprecedented levels, with the Sand Run stream cresting at 10.63 feet, surpassing the 1985 flood record of 8.3 feet, causing widespread devastation and ongoing water rescues.
• Heavy rainfall between 3 and 7 inches since Tuesday afternoon has inundated communities including Buckhannon, Weston, and Jane Lew, leading to road closures on U.S. Route 33 and Interstate 79, and forcing rerouting of traffic.
• Emergency responders are overwhelmed with numerous water rescues, attic extractions, and evacuations as floodwaters destroy infrastructure, including washed-out bridges and submerged commercial areas like Walmart.
• Over 22,000 customers in Central West Virginia are without power, and Upshur County’s 911 service is down; residents needing emergency assistance are advised to call a special emergency number.
• Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties, urging residents to exercise caution, avoid flooded roadways, and follow emergency officials’ guidance as flooding continues to threaten lives and property.