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2016 West Virginia flood

Time:2016-06-30

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On June 23, 2016, a devastating flood hit areas of the U.S.state of West Virginia and nearby parts of Virginia, resulting in at least 23 deaths. The flooding was the result of 8 to 10 in (200 to 250 mm) of rain falling over a period of only a few hours, resulting in the third-deadliest flood in the history of West Virginia, after only the Buffalo Creek flood of 1972 and the Election day floods of 1985. It is also the deadliest flash flood event in the United States since the 2010 Tennessee floods.


According to meteorologists at the National Weather Service, this qualifies as a 1,000 year event for the region. Rainfall totals included 9.37 in (23.8 cm) in Maxwelton and 7.53 in (19.1 cm) in Rainelle. Two-day accumulations in White Sulphur Springs reached 9.17 in (233 mm). In addition to the torrential rain, the storms produced an EF1 tornado near Kenna in Jackson County. The brief tornado lifted and rolled a single-wide trailer, injuring its two occupants; minor damage occurred elsewhere along its path.


The tremendous rainfall produced widespread and destructive flash floods in the state. The Elk River rose to an all-time high of 33.37 ft (10.17 m), surpassing the previous record of 32 ft (9.8 m) set in 1888.Greenbrier County was the hardest-hit, with at least 15 deaths confirmed. Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described the county as "complete chaos". Flooding in White Sulphur Springs destroyed many homes and swept some clean off their foundations. One home was videotaped floating down Howard's Creek while engulfed in flames. The town of Rainelle was especially hard hit, and was described as looking like "a war zone".


A 4-year-old boy drowned in Ravenswood,Jackson County, after he was swept away by a swollen creek; the creek, normally only ankle-deep, had risen to 6 ft (1.8 m) due to the rain. An 8-year-old boy drowned in Big Wheeling Creek in Ohio County.


About 500 homes were severely damaged or destroyed in Roane County. In Clay County, the communities of Procious, Camp Creek and others were left in ruins.


At least 60 roads were shut down, many of them swept away. Multiple bridges across the state were destroyed. In Nicholas County, the Cherry River flooded much of Richwood, forcing the evacuation of a nursing home. Homes in low-lying areas of the county were flooded up to the roof. Electric utilities reported at one point that 500,000 customers were left without power from the floods.


Record-high and near-record-high waters were reported along the Greenbrier River at Hilldale (25.9 ft (7.9 m) over flood stage) and Ronceverte (23.3 ft (7.1 m) over flood stage), as well as along the New River at Thurmond (19.3 ft (5.9 m) over flood stage).Summersville Lake increased by 43.5 billion gallons between 8 am June 23 and noon June 24.


On June 27, it was announced that two people on a camping trip in Greenbrier County, who were thought to have been swept away in a camper and presumed dead in the flooding, had been found alive.


    2016 West Virginia flood

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    2016 West Virginia flood

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