Upshur County schools will be dismissed at 1 p.m. today due to flooding.
“Out of an abundance of caution and under the advisement of the Department of Highway Security and Emergency Management, Upshur County Schools will be dismissing at 1 p.m. today, September 1,” according to an email from the school system.
Moderate flooding has covered several roads around Upshur County as the remains of Hurricane Ida move through central West Virginia on Wednesday.
Water covered the road at the triangle near Wendy’s and Domino’s Pizza as of mid-morning Monday. Parts of Kesling Mill Road, Vicksburg Road, Wood Street and others also faced flooding conditions.
According to the National Weather Service, rain is expected to continue throughout the day Wednesday, tapering off in the afternoon and evening.
“At 7:35 a.m., Doppler radar indicated heavy rain across the warned area,” reads a flash flood warning issued by the NWS. “Between 0.5 and 1 inch of rain has fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly.”
“Turn around, don’t drown when encountering flooded roads,” the NWS advises. “Most flood deaths occur in vehicles. Be aware of your surroundings and do not drive on flooded roads.
“In hilly terrain there are hundreds of low water crossings which are potentially dangerous in heavy rain. Do not attempt to cross flooded roads. Find an alternate route.”
As of 9:45 a.m., the Buckhannon River gage measured about 7 feet and rising rapidly. That’s still well under flood stage, which begins at about 23 feet.
