Flooding in West Virginia, September 6 to 8, 1996

Incredible rainfall associated with the remants of Hurricane Fran caused considerable and in some cases record flooding along rivers and tributaries in the Potomac basin. A thin band of 11 to 14 inches of rain falling along higher ridges ran off into the Upper South Fork of the South Branch Potomac River and the Lost River sub-basin. These rain amounts led to record river flooding along the South Fork, Lost River, and Trout Run sub-basins.River flooding began simultaneously with the flash flooding in the Potomac Highlands. The flooding continued for nearly 48 hours before levels receded below flood stage. Crests were 1 to 5 feet above those of the January 1996 flood across the South Branch; crests were within 1 to 3 feet of January levels across the North Branch.Damage was excessive, especially along the South Branch Potomac. A state-owned railroad system sustained numerous washouts and peripheral damage; the railroad, which tracks through Hardy, Hampshire, and Grant Cos (WVZ048-050-055) suffered $2.5 million in damage.In Hardy Co alone, 90 percent of the county roads were closed from washouts. Over 50 percent of the private culverts were completely washed out. Between 75 and 100 wells were damaged; nearly 1/4 of those remained unusable months later due to bacteria contamination. Agriculture and poultry farms, especially those in flood plains, were struck hard. Eight to ten thousand acres were inundated with an estimated $200 thousand in damage to unharvested corn crops. Another $200 thousand was estimated from lost or destroyed chickens. The $5 million in reported property damage included $3.5 million to 227 residences and $1.5 million to public buildings.Well after the flood, debris covered pasture and farmland, and filled creeks and streams enough to redirect normal flow. River sand and mud also covered streets and in some cases was above the ground floor of residences and businesses. Landslides were also noted in portions of the Upper Potomac basin. Electric and phone outages lasted several days, especially in isolated locations.Please refer to the narrative on flash floods for a further breakdown of damages.