All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDOH working around the clock to assess and repair storm damage

West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) road crews are working around the clock to clean up mudslides and assess road damage in the wake of severe thunderstorms that passed through the state on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, and Thursday, February 6, 2025.

On Wednesday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of preparedness for all 55 counties, in effect until Friday, February 7, 2025.

The National Weather Service expected heavy rains to cause localized flooding and ice issues in the northern part of the state. Numerous mudslides and flooded roads were reported throughout the Mountain State on Thursday.

According to West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Chief Engineer of Operations Jake Bumgarner, P.E., the western edge, southern, and central portions of the state saw the heaviest rainfall, leading to mud and rockslides and roads closed by high water. WVDOH crews were clearing storm damage where they could, but crews must wait for the water to recede before they can assess whether roadways themselves will need repaired.

In the mountains and eastern panhandle, Bumgarner said the biggest problem was ice. He said crews fought icy conditions effectively by pretreating roads with brine in anticipation of the coming storm.

WVDOH District 3 Manager Mike Daley said road crews were cleaning up rock slides on US 50 in Ritchie County and US 119 in Roane County. US 50 remained blocked mid-day, with traffic being detoured onto Glendale Road. One lane of US 119 was open as of noon, and road crews had already cleared a slide on WV 2 in Jackson County.

Numerous roads were closed by flooding in District 3, which includes Calhoun, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood counties.

“They keep going on and on,” Daley said. “We have multiple roads being added to the list.”

The Kanawha Valley and Huntington-Charleston corridor were also hit hard by rainfall. WVDOH District 1 Manager Stefan White said Kanawha County was probably hit hardest by flooding, particularly in the communities of Chelyan, Elkview and North Charleston.

In all, 18 counties reported roads closed by high water on Thursday. Roads were closed in Boone, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Morgan, Nicholas, Putnam, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Wirt and Wood counties.

Another storm is expected to arrive this weekend with heavy rain, snow and some ice – with the possibility of heavy snowfall in various areas throughout the state. Governor Morrisey and the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) ask all West Virginians to remain attentive to weather conditions through local media reports and follow any instructions issued by emergency officials.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Really Really Free Market and Community Potluck scheduled for Sunday, July 13

A community Really Really Free Market and potluck will be held Sunday, July 13, from 1–3 pm at Walnut and Chestnut streets, featuring free goods, services, food and opportunities to connect and volunteer.

Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run someone over in Walmart parking lot

Rayne Prince Marion Chuma was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit a man with his vehicle in the Buckhannon Walmart parking lot before leaving the scene.

Suspect held without bail in Brushy Fork Road robbery case

Bruno Martins Ferreira has been arrested and is being held without bail on felony robbery and conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a Brushy Fork Road residence, during which $12,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: July 8, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025.

City of Buckhannon calendar: July 7-11, 2025

Buckhannon has announced a series of July public meetings, bulky item and yard waste collections, family-friendly events such as Festival Fridays, deadline reminders for firefighter applications, and performances of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Arts Center.

Sherry Esenwein

Sherry Esenwein, a devoted educator, animal lover, and Buckhannon native, passed away peacefully at 71 in Annapolis, remembered for her adventurous spirit, cherished family, and lifelong dedication to teaching and her beloved dogs.

Summer Basketball League kicks off

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League began its season last week, featuring multiple games with standout performances from players such as Josh Trent, Andrew Holcomb, and Sterlin Thropp, while several matches ended in forfeits.

Post 7 falls in twin bill to Charleston

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered two losses to Charleston Post 56 on Sunday, dropping the first game 14-0 by mercy rule and falling 5-2 in the second despite a late rally.

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.