Flash Flood — Roane, West Virginia

1999-01-21 · near Spencer, Roane, West Virginia

Wider weather episode

Rains of 2 to 2.5 inches were common between 1100 to 1900E, in a narrow band located north of a warm frontal zone. The heaviest rains, estimated at over 3 inches fell over northern Roane County. The most rain measured by cooperative observers included Ripley with 2.7 inches, Racine Locks near Letart 2.5 inches, and Creston with 2.4 inches. Flooding occurred along Reedy Creek that flows into southern Wirt County. Around 1700E, a 27 old female, driving a small car, flipped over into Stover Fork, west of Spencer. Only the 4 wheels of the vehicle were showing. Two fireman got her out. She died later that evening. In the community of Reedy, evacuations of 40 to 45 people were required. They were sheltered at the Reedy Grade School. One home and one mobile home had major damage. A total of 20 dwellings and businesses had minor water damage in the Reedy vicinity. One home near Ellamore of Upshur County and another home near Lucille of Wirt County had minor damage.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5679071. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.