MOOREFIELD, W.Va. — Emergency crews in Hardy and Randolph counties had to make several dozen water rescues following significant flooding over the weekend.
Seven people were rescued Monday afternoon after being trapped in camper trailers in Moorefield.
The rescues happened along the South Branch Potomac River.
“They were surrounded by 4-5 feet of water and it was still going up,” said Paul Lewis, director of the Hardy County Office and Emergency Management. “I guess they weren’t aware the river was getting up.”
People were rescued by boats and were taken to the fire department.
Some trailers and vehicles were seen floating down the river, Lewis said, but no one was found inside.
“We don’t believe there were any people in those trailers,” Lewis said.
Crews in neighboring counties and in Maryland assisted in the effort.
High water issues caused several early dismissals at schools. As of Monday afternoon, some roads remained closed due to flooding.
Lewis said he anticipates the water to rise along the Potomac River throughout the day.
In Randolph County, there were 14 water rescues.
“Most people were in bed asleep. When they woke up, they found themselves stranded,” said Randolph County Commission President Mike Taylor.
He said creeks and small streams came up rapidly. The rescues happened near Bowden, Faulkner and Beverley.
“Part of the problem with that was people tried to drive through high water and became stranded,” Taylor said.
A voluntary emergency shelter is open for impacted residents.
Taylor said the county was in a “wait and see” mode as of Monday afternoon. He said they plan to assess road damage.
“The roadways became impassable and that was one of the main issues that we’ve had to deal with. We’re still going to have to do some assessments once the weather clears to see what, if any, significant road damage we may have,” he said.