Tucker County Office of Emergency Management Homeland Security was notified at approximately 11:30 p.m. on the 27 of June of a flash flood event in the northwestern portions of Tucker County near the Tucker/Barbour County line.
At that time, Parsons Volunteer Fire Department was notified of several homes that had became surrounded by flood waters and was dispatched to assist residents in Tucker County and Barbour County. Several roads in the area became impassable very quickly, with bridges and culverts being covered by water or washed out.
PVFD Fire Chief, Kevin White said, “PVFD provided health and wellness checks to make sure all residents were safe, and helped some residents to safe areas or alternate housing with family. This was a true flash flood event as some
emergency service workers reported water rising feet in a matter of minutes. Some reports, though not official, have that area of the county receiving almost three inches of rain in less than an hour.”
Tucker County EOC was active until around 5 a.m. the next morning, as PVFD determined at that time the threat was over. Tucker County Office of Emergency Management Homeland Security spent the next several days putting out information of the event as well as getting Red Cross involved to provide cleaning supplies to homes impacted by the water.
Route 38 remained closed for several days as WVDOH worked to secure bridges and roads. “We have been hit hard the last year with several of these events,” stated County Emergency Manager Kevin White. “I would like to remind all residents to keep emergency supplies on hand at all times as well as a GO bag with all items that may be needed. It is recommended that each person have enough food, water, medicine and essentials for 72 hours. Never forget your pets in your plan. Agencies from all over the county as well as neighboring counties came together and worked to assist in this event,” stated White. “I’m always impressed with our community and they way we help out in times of need.”
