Flooding in West Virginia, November 29, 2005

Out ahead of a strong cold front, heavy showers fell mainly between 0600E and 1100E. Dew points were in the 50s. Six hour rain amounts of 1.25 to 1.75 inches were common. Storm total amounts were 2.49 inches at Snowshoe, 2.31 inches at Richwood, 2.24 inches at Hacker Valley, and 2.15 inches at Webster Springs.The vegetation was dormant and the ground was fairly moist from previous rains in November. Melting snow in the high country also contributed to the runoff. Small streams and headwater rivers overflowed. Several roads were flooded and closed in these 6 mountainous counties. However, damage to dwellings or structures were minimal. The Cherry River did threaten structures in Richwood, but only about 2 homes were affected. Students were sent home early from the 3 city schools, as a precaution. A nursing home in Richwood prepared to evacuate, but it was not necessary. In Pocahontas County, the Williams River flooded. Flooding also occurred in the Slaty Fork vicinity. A private bridge was washed out near Lobelia. In Webster County, the upper Elk River crested at 13.36 feet near Webster Springs. Bankfull is 10 feet on that gauge. On the upper Gauley River, the river rose from 6 feet to a crest of 19.1 feet in 10 hours at Camden on Gauley. Flood stage at Camden on Gauley is 19 feet. Two campers were stranded for a time in Webster County. Most of the flooding in Randolph County was around Mingo and Mill Creek. The Middle Fork of the Tygart also rose above bankfull around Ellamore and Audra State Park.