UPDATE: As of 1 p.m., the flood warning for Upshur County has been extended to 3:30 p.m. The Buckhannon River is still expected to crest at 22 feet, one foot below flood stage.
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BUCKHANNON – The Buckhannon River is expected to crest Tuesday just before reaching minor flood stage, according to the Upshur County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
“Right now, the river is at 22 feet, and they’re telling me it’s going to crest at 22.4 feet, right below flood stage,” DHSOEM director Brian Shreves said at about 10:15 a.m. Tuesday.
The river reaches minor flood stage at 23 feet, Shreves said.
Shreves cautioned residents about high water in southern Upshur County, including Waterloo Road, Slab Camp Road and the Alton Road.
In addition, Boy Scout Camp Road is closed, Shreves said, and Pringle Tree Road past Pringle Tree Park is “completely submerged.”
“There’s about two feet of water out on Morgan Addition in the dip out there, and there are certain areas of the Vicksburg Road where people need to use caution,” he said. “It’s still passable, but be careful.”
In general, residents shouldn’t attempt to drive through high water.
“Follow the rule, ‘Turn around, don’t drown,’” Shreves said. “If you don’t really have to be out, don’t be out, and don’t try to drive through flooded roads. We don’t want to have to do water rescues. So far, we haven’t had any incidents.”
The high waters caused Upshur County to cancel school Tuesday.
Residents can help the DHSOEM by reporting flooded roads not already listed in this article to the E911 Upshur County Communication Center at 304-472-9550.
