Flood — Greenbrier, West Virginia

1996-01-19 to 1996-01-20 · Greenbrier, West Virginia

Wider weather episode

A strong storm system on the 19th produced high winds, damaging thunderstorm winds and heavy rainfall. Snow melt in combination with the heavy rain resulted in flash flooding and then river flooding on most rivers. Record flooding occurred on portions of the Greenbrier River. Heavy rainfall and significant snow melt resulted in flash flooding which heavily damaged the public facilities at the Blue Bend Recreation Area near White Sulphur Springs, damaged several mobile homes near Rupert, washed out route 92 in three locations in Greenbrier County and flooded and damaged roads and a few bridges in Mercer County. Damage was estimated at $280,000 in Monroe County and $400,000 in Mercer County.Thunderstorm winds downed several trees in Renick, Alderson, and Union.High winds not associated with a thunderstorm downed trees which knocked out the power in Ballard. High winds ripped the roof off a motel in Princeton damaging a nearby house and truck.Heavy rain and snow melt resulted in major to record flooding on portions of the Greenbrier River. The Greenbrier River crested 6.5 feet above flood stage at Renick at 1800 EST on the 19th. The Greenbrier River at Alderson crested at a record 24.53 feet at 0500 EST on the 20th. This crest was 10.53 feet above flood stage and .58 feet above the previous record flood of 11/05/85. The City Hall at Ronceverte was flooded by nearly 7 feet of water from the Greenbrier River. The building sustained substantial damage. A temporary City Hall was established in the old junior high gymnasium building. Flash flooding and flooding damaged 40 businesses and 152 houses in Ronceverte, 30 businesses and 250 houses in Alderson, and 4 businesses, 65 houses and a church in Caldwell. Around 150 people were evacuated and sought shelter in Greenbrier County. In Greenbrier County, 832 structures, 1 school and 4 churches were damaged or destroyed in the flash flooding and flooding.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5542736. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.