Buckhannon lifted its shelter-in-place order Thursday as floodwaters receded, while cleanup, debris collection and donation efforts continued across the city.

At a Buckhannon news conference, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said search and rescue remained the priority after this week’s catastrophic flooding, pledging the state would “not spare any time or cost.” Local leaders and the National Guard detailed a full-scale response.

The Upshur County Sheriff’s Office helped conduct dozens of rescues and was searching for residents still unaccounted for a day after Tuesday’s catastrophic flash flooding. No deaths had been confirmed, though officials said they were concerned about possible fatalities.

The Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department will offer free Tdap and hepatitis A vaccines beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, July 24, at West Virginia Wesleyan College for anyone who was in floodwater or is helping with cleanup.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital canceled all clinic, outpatient and surgical appointments for Thursday, July 23, citing connectivity problems from the flooding, while keeping its emergency department open around the clock.

Community Care of West Virginia is offering free, no-appointment tetanus shots at all locations and collecting cleanup supplies for flood-hit families in Upshur and Lewis counties, after the flooding forced some clinics to close early.

A flash flood emergency was issued for Buckhannon and central Upshur County after 3 to 5 inches of rain triggered rescues, road closures and flooded structures. Residents were urged to avoid travel, move to higher ground and never drive through floodwater.

West Virginia Wesleyan College professor Greg Popovich will take life-size West Virginia cryptids to Gaming Community Expo at Universal Studios, an annual event that attracts about 10,000 gamers.

Buckhannon’s latest buzz includes the last day to visit the pool, a high school open house and more. Residents are also rallying against the Valley North line and gearing up for the Healthy Hero Hustle 5K.

The Buckhannon Consolidated Public Works Board will meet July 23, 2026. View the meeting agenda.

Buckhannon’s July 20-24 calendar includes public board meetings, curbside recycling, Festival Fridays and the Farmers Market. Residents can also find updates on water line work, meeting cancellations and upcoming community events.

Severe storms could hit Upshur County Tuesday afternoon into the night, bringing damaging winds, heavy rain, hail and possible tornadoes. Residents should secure loose items, prepare for localized flooding and avoid flooded roads.