MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Continuous rainfall over the weekend in Jefferson, Berkeley and Morgan counties has led to high water and minor flooding.
The National Weather Service’s DC/Baltimore office reports between 3-5 inches of rain fell throughout the eastern panhandle between Friday and early Sunday, as well as in neighboring Maryland and Virginia.
Of particular concern is the Potomac River near Shepherdstown in Jefferson County. As of 3 Monday morning, the water was at 22 feet. Flood stage is at 15 feet. Water has reached the C&O Canal towpath on the Maryland side of the river as well as some structures.
Here's an updated map of preliminary storm total rainfall amounts from this weekend (Friday afternoon through Sunday evening). Some spots in the DC suburbs and higher terrain got nearly 4.5 inches! Full list: https://t.co/OLb39Bidft & Flooding reports: https://t.co/h3ovnsWbjb pic.twitter.com/ga3IDgViIY
— NWS Baltimore-Washington (@NWS_BaltWash) December 17, 2018
Also in Jefferson County, officials with Harpers Ferry National Historical Park have closed the footbridge from the lower town into Maryland.
As of 3pm on 12/16/18, the footbridge over the Potomac River, connecting Lower Town Harpers Ferry to Maryland, is closed due to flooding on the towpath. This closure impacts access to the Appalachian Trail, the C&O Canal towpath, and Maryland Heights. pic.twitter.com/hh1W9xxv5M
— Harpers Ferry NHP (@HarpersFerryNPS) December 16, 2018
Morgan County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Director Dick Myers said on MetroNews affiliate WEPM’s “Panhandle Live” Monday several closed roads should be reopened by Monday evening.
“Things are actually settling down a good bit here, still getting somewhat back to normal. We had probably about 4-5 inches of rain over the course of the weekend.”
Myers said the following roads remain closed in sections as of Monday morning:
- River Road
- Powerhouse Road
- Johnsons Mill Road
- Rock Ford Road
The following roads may still have standing water:
- The 17000 block of Cacapon Road.
- Martinsburg Road at Ewing Street.
- Winchester Grade Road at Luther Michael Road and Spielman Road.
- Biser Street at Peer Lane.
- And the 7200 block of Martinsburg Road.
Myers detailed a successful water rescue along River Road Saturday. He said two people became stranded when they drove past “high water” signage and barriers placed by the state Department of Highways. The Berkeley Springs Fire Department, Morgan County EMS, Sheriff’s Department as well as a rescue crew with a boat from Washington County, Maryland responded.
“A Morgan County Sheriff’s deputy was the first one on the scene. He advised that there was a vehicle in the water and the individuals had gotten to the top of the vehicle. At that point (Washington County) Launch Boat 20 got on the scene and was able to go out and rescue and bring them in. From my understanding, there were no injuries and they were treated by EMS on the scene and released.”
Myers reminds motorists when facing flooded roadways, “turn around, don’t drown”.
“Actually six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger vehicles, which will cause you to stall into that waterway. A foot will make your vehicle float. Two feet of rushing water could actually carry most vehicles including sport utility vehicles and pick-ups away down the water into the river.”
This story will be updated.