Submitted by Brett Ware
Tucker County, WV – At 05:19 a.m. the first call for assistance came for Tucker County’s rescuers. Torrential rainfall in the early hours of the morning caused the streams and rivers to rise rapidly, with the end result of flash flooding.
Thomas VFD and Tucker County EMS were the first to be notified by Tucker County 911. They were to respond to Lime Hollow Road, just off of Canaan Settlement Road, for a residence taking on water. Not long after the arrival on scene, the Incident Commander recognized the change in water conditions and quickly requested the assistance of Davis, Parsons, and Canaan Valley Fire Departments. Due to the compounding situation, additional assistance was requested from Preston, Randolph, and Grant Counties. Tucker County Office of Emergency Management Emergency Operations Center 219 Main Street Parsons, WV 26287, 304-478-3128
Given the uncertainty of the situation, Tucker County Office of Emergency Management Director, Kevin White, opened the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). The EOC is the central command and control facility that is responsible for carrying out the principals of emergency management in Tucker County. Throughout the morning, a total of four rescues had been performed. Without knowing at what point the rivers would crest, it was proclaimed that Tucker County was under a state of emergency.
Communities of Leadmine, Horseshoe, Seven Islands, Trinity Campground, and various other low lying areas near rivers and streams were impacted the most. Rising flood waters made many sections of roadways impassable. The Blackwater River in Thomas swelled and overflowed the dam. Officials on scene reported that the Thomas Dam was in good condition; however, the water levels reached a point in which water was flowing around the confines of the dam.
According to the data provided by the National Weather Service, the Cheat River in Parsons crested at 16.9’. Tucker County hasn’t seen a crest greater than 16’ since Feburary 19, 2000, where the river had crested at 16.7’. To give reference, Cheat River in Parsons during the 1985 flood crested at 24.30’.
Tucker County fared well in comparison to many communities around the region affected by the floods. The strength of our community, and the skills of our first responders, proved invaluable. We send our condolences to all those affected by the flood waters.
The Tucker County Office of Emergency Management is collecting data in reference to the damages caused by the floodwaters. If any persons wishes to report damages, you may contact our office at (304)478-3128. Remember, if you have an emergency, always dial 9-1-1 first.
