1985 — Nov 4-5, Flooding, Hurricane Juan remnants, WV/47-48, VA/22, PA/1, MD/1 –71-74

—     74  Wikipedia. “1985 Atlantic hurricane season.” 4-22-2014 modification.[1]

–24 (direct)     –50 (indirect)

–71-72  Blanchard tally of individualized fatalities by State and county.

—     63  NCDC. “Hurricane Juan, October 1985.” Billion-Dollar Weather/Climate Disasters.[2]

—     62  Carpenter. Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland… 1990, p. 1.

—     54  AP. “Memories of 1985 flood haven’t receded…” Free Lance-Star, VA. 1-18-1993, C10.

—   >51  AP. “Five Hurricanes, Mudslides, Floods…” Cumberland Sunday Times. 12-29-85, A8.

—     50  Schwartz, Rick, Karr, and Myatt. Hurricanes and the Middle Atlantic States. 2007, 284.

—     48  UPI. “Kate Rakes Atlantic Coast.” Cumberland News, MD. 11-23-1985, p. 1.[3]

—   >42  Chicago Tribune (Michael Hirsley). “Flood Leaves 42 Dead in 4 States.” 11-9-1985.

—     37  Chicago Tribune (M. Hirsley). “Flooding Leaves 37 Dead, 41 Missing…” 11-7-1985.

—   >36  AP. “Flooding Eases…36 Dead.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA, 11-7-1985, 1.[4]

 

Maryland                   (      1)

— 1  Carpenter. Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland… 1990, p. 16.

— 0  NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Maryland.

— 1  Garrett Co., Strecker, Savage River, Nov 4. Mudslide washout train derailment. Male.[5]

 

Pennsylvania              (       1)

— 1  AP. “Federal Flood Disasters Declared.” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. 11-10-1985, p. 1.

— 1  Carpenter. Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland… 1990, p.16.[6]

–Walnut Creek in west PA. Probable drowning; fisherman swept away, rising water. [7]

— 0  NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Pennsylvania.

— 1  Presumed drowned in Grant County, WV. Tom Hyatt of North Charleroi, PA.[8]

 

Virginia                      (     22)

—     22  Carpenter. Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland… 1990, 16.

—     22  Commonwealth of Virginia. Hazard Mitigation Plan. Chapter 3, Section 3.3, p. 5.

—     22  US GAO. Federal Disaster Assistance. Relief to 1985 Virginia Flood Victims… 1986, 7.

—     21  AP. “Federal Flood Disasters Declared.” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. 11-10-85, 1.

–20-21  Blanchard tally of aggregated county breakouts below.[9]

—     19  AP. “Floodwaters Lay Siege…Richmond…” Cumberland Evng. Times.” 11-7-1985, 1.

—     17  Blanchard tally of individualized breakouts below.

—       0  NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Virginia.

Fatalities by Counties and Independent Cities:

— 3  Augusta County.  Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–1  Augusta County, VA 629, Calfpasture River, Nov 6 found. Drowning; male, 57.[10]

–2  Swoope area, Middle River bridge, VA 703, Nov 4. Drownings, males, 28, 22.[11]

— 2  Botetourt Co. AP. “Robb…” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 11-7-1985, p.20.[12]

— 1        “              “  Nov 5. Drowning victim body found (though no indication of origination).[13]

— 2  Franklin County.  AP. “Robb…” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 11-7-1985, p. 20.

–1  U.S. 220, Nov 4. Car hits tree that washed onto the road.[14]

— 3  Highland County. AP. “Robb…” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 11-7-1985, p. 20.

–2  Monterey, Nov 4. Drownings; home swept away by flood water; males 37 and 17.[15]

–1  US 220, Nov 4. Drowning; tractor overturned on way to rescue Spencers; male, 58.[16]

— 1  Newport News (independent city). Missing, presumed drowned. Fisherman.[17]

— 1  Page County. AP. “Robb…” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 11-7-1985, p. 20.

— 6  Roanoke County

— 2  Roanoke vic., Nov 4. Drowning; car stalled in flood water, female and male, 10.[18]

— 1  Roanoke County, Roanoke vicinity.[19] Car “struck a floodswept tree.”[20]

— 2  Roanoke County, northwest Roanoke. Nov 4. Drowning in houses.[21]

— 1  Roanoke Co., Salem, Mason Creek, Nov 4. Female, ~40, found drowned in creek.[22]

— 5  Rockingham County. Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

— 4           “                “       Schwartz. Hurricanes and the Middle Atlantic States. 2007, p. 284.

–1  Lynwood, Nov 4. Drowning while crossing U.S. 340 bridge (collapse); male, 67.[23]

–2  Mt. Crawford, North Riv., Nov 5. Drowning; pickup swept away, male 44, female, 35.[24]

–1  Timberville, Va 617, Nov 4. Drowning; attempting to drive to evac ctr., female, 47.[25]

–1  Verbena Bridge at U.S. 340, Nov 5. Drowning; car stalls in water; male, 48.[26]

— 1  Shenandoah Co., Nov 4. Drowning; canoe capsized, male, 40 or 42.[27]

 

West Virginia [28]         (47-48)[29]

—  61  Blanchard tally of county breakouts below.[30]

—  48  Blanchard tally of individualized breakouts below via counties.

—  48  UPI. “Drive Helps W.Va. Flood Victims’…” Cumberland Times/News. 12-11-85, 5.[31]

—  47  Batty, K.T. “Flood of 1985.” e-WV (The West Virginia Encyclopedia). 9-19-2013 rev.[32]

—  47  Imbrogno. “Recalling the Great 1985 Flood in West Virginia.” WestVirginiaVille, 2011.

—  47  National Weather Service. Flooding in West Virginia. “November 1985 Flood.”[33]

—  47  US GAO. Disaster Assistance. Response to West Virginia’s November 1985… 1988, p.10.

—  47  USGS. “West Virginia Floods and Droughts.” National Water Summary 1988-89.

—  47  WV A&H. Time Trail, West Virginia, Nov 4, 1985. “Floods devastate West Virginia.[34]

—  42  Cumberland Evening Times. “Young Flood Victim’s Body Discovered.” 2-25-1986, 16.[35]

—>40  Schwartz, Rick, Karr and Myatt. Hurricanes and the Middle Atlantic States. 2007, p. 284.

—  38  Carpenter. Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland… 1990, p. 16.

—  38  Cumberland Sunday Times, MD (S. Kegg). “Flood Damages High…” 1-19-1986, B1.[36]

—  38  Teets and Young. Killing Waters. 1985, p. 3. (As of 11-29-1985, from Gov. Press Of.)[37]

—>38  UPI. “Flood Regions. Emergency Crews…” Cumberland Times/News, 12-13-1985, 17.[38]

—  35  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Another Flood Victim Found…” 11-19-1985, p.11.[39]

—  34  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods Climbs to 34.” 11-15-1985, p.15.[40]

—  31  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Bodies of More Flood Victims…” 11-14-1985, 41.[41]

—  27  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “[WV] Death Toll Reaches 27.” 11-12-1985, 13.[42]

—  26  AP. “W.Va. Missing Still Sought.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg. 11-11-1985, 17.[43]

—  25  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Death Toll From Flooding Hits 25.” 11-11-1985, p. 14.[44]

—  23  AP. “Federal Flood Disasters Declared.” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. 11-10-1985, p1.

—>22  AP. “Floods set back struggling…” Syracuse Herald American, NY, 11-10-1985, A11.[45]

—  20  Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Bouncing Back. West…” 11-9-1985, 17.[46]

—  19  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “19 Known Dead From Area Flooding.” 11-8-1985, p. 19.

—  18  AP. “W.Va. Concerned with Public Health…” Cumberland Times-News. 11-7-1985, 2.

—  16  Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “40 Missing in W.Va.” 11-7-1985, p. 13.

—    0  NCDC, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in West Virginia

Fatalities by County:  (59)

—       1  Fayette Co., Oak Hill, U.S. 19. 3 cars; “wet weather was a factor,” male (Pike), 50.[47]

–13-15  Grant County. Blanchard estimate.[48]

—     15       “       “ Fouch. “Bill’s 2¢ worth.” Grant County Press, Petersburg, WV. 11-6-2012, 4.

—   >13       “       “ Ten deaths in Jan 19 report, added to three missing in Feb 25 report.[49]

—     10       “       “ Blanchard individualized tally based on locality breakouts below.

—     10       “       “ Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. “Flood Damages High…” 1-19-1986, B1.

—     10       “       “ Teets and Young. “Flood counties in profile,” Killing Waters, 1985, p. 56.

–1  Cabins, No. Fork So. Branch Potomac, Nov 4. Drowning; Thomas Joe Clower, 32.[50]

–1  Cabins, Nov 4. Drowning; James Edward “Jimmy” Kile, 48.[51]

–1  Jordan Run area, Nov 4. Drowned; Harry Lloyd Harper, six days shy of 71.[52]

–1  Jordon Run area?,[53] Parsons, Nov 8. Drowning; Stelman Harper, 82.[54]

–1  Jordan Run, Nov 4.[55] Presumed drowned. M. Painter, 26,[56] or 29.[57] Still missing 3-25-86.

–1  North Fork Riv. Drowning; Maurice Richard Funk (body found Feb 10, Grant Co.).[58]

–1  Petersburg vic. Drowning; No. Fork & So. Branch, Potomac Riv., male (Gatto), 44.[59]

–1  Petersburg, Mouth of Seneca,[60] Nov 4. Drowning; Kenneth Lee Schell, Sr., 37 or 38.[61]

–1  Petersburg, Nov 4 (found Nov 12). Drowning; truck washed away, male (R. Schell) 35.[62]

–1  Presumed drowned in Grant County. Tom Hyatt of North Charleroi, PA.[63]

–1  Dolly Town. Sarah Pearl Lewis, 93 or 94.[64] Counted in Pendleton County deaths.

–1  Jerry Regester, 37, of Durgon (in Hardy Co.). Counted among Hardy Co. fatalities.[65]

—  5  Greenbrier County.[66]

–1  Renick. Drowning; Ruby Skeens, 56.[67] Counted in Pocahontas County fatalities.[68]

–1  Renick. Drowning, Darren Skeens, 4.[69] Counted in Pocahontas County fatalities.

—  3  Hampshire Co., Milleson Mills vic.[70] Drownings; hunters swept away; males, 49, 42 and 21.[71]

—  6  Hardy County. Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

—  5       “          “      Moorefield Examiner, WV. “Coroner’s Report.” 11-13-1985. (WV A&H)[72]

–4 drownings             –1 heart attack

—  4[73]  “          “      Teets and Young. “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters. 1985, p. 56.

–1  Durgon,[74] Nov 4, found Nov 14 in Grant Co. Drowning; male (J. Regester), 37.[75]

–1  Durgon, Nov 4, found Nov 19. Drowning; Larry Glenn Regester, 37 (twin of Jerry).[76]

–1  Fisher, body recovered Nov 11. Drowning; female, Virginia Watkins.[77]

–1  Milam, So. Fork So. Branch Potomac Riv., Nov 5. Drowning; Noble Gunnoe, 58.[78]

–1  Moorefield, Nov 5. James [Jim] O. Flynn (or Flinn), Jr., 62.[79]

–1  Moorefield (or Fisher). Rob Roy Watkins, 67 or 69.[80]

—  1  Nicholas County, Nettie. Rose Mick, 73.[81] [We have listed in Pocahontas County.]

–16  Pendleton County. Blanchard tally based on locality and causality breakouts below.

–16        “              “  Van Gurdy and White. “Sediment flushing in Mystic Cave…” 2009, p. 106.

–14        “  Cumberland Evening Times. “Young Flood Victim’s Body Discovered.” 2-25-1986, 16.[82]

–13        “  Blanchard tally based on locality breakouts below.

–10        “  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods…34.” 11-15-1985, 15.

–10        “  Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. “Flood Damages High…” 1-19-1986, B1.

–10[83]     “  Teets and Young. “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters. 1985, p. 57.

—  9        “  Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Death Toll…Hits 25.” 11-11-1985, p. 14.

—  5        “  [18 missing]. Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg. “40…” 11-7-1985, 13.[84]

–1  Upper Tract ~Ruddle, Nov 4. Drowning; mobile home washed away; Hartman, 75.[85]

–1  Brushy Run/Onego vicinity, Nov 4. Drowning; home flooded; Arson Hedrick, 90.[86]

–1  Brushy Run/Onego vic., Nov 4. Drowning; home flooded; Miss Eva Hedrick, 70.[87]

–1  Franklin. Presumed drowned (still missing 3-25-1986). Cathy Tinger Huffman, 19.[88]

–1  Upper Tract, Nov 4. Drowning; mobile home washed away. James Keplinger, 68.[89]

–1  Upper Tract ~Ruddle, Nov 4. Drowning; mobile home washed away; M. Lamb, 74.[90]

–1  Seneca Rocks, Nov 4. Drowned; swept away from home. Sarah Pearl Lewis, 93.[91]

–1  Franklin, Nov 4. Presumed drowning, house washed away; female (Dorothy Lilly).[92]

–1  Seneca Rocks, Nov 4. Drowned; swept away from home. John Lee McMillion, 71.[93]

–1  Seneca Rocks. Presumed drowned. Catherine McMillion (Kathleen McMillion, 58).[94]

–1  Cherry Grove, Nov 4. Drowning; pickup washed away, male (Nelson), 64.[95]

–1  Franklin, Nov 4. Drowning; Mary Spencer.[96]

–2  Franklin, Nov 4. Drownings, house washed away; Willard R. Spencer Jr. and Sr.[97]

–1  Franklin vic. Nov 4. Drowning, attempting to rescue Spencers; Ivan Stone, 65.[98]

–1  Seneca Rocks. Nov 4. Drowned attempting rescue; male (Jody W. Whiteside), 16.[99]

—  5  Pocahontas Co. Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll…Floods…34.” 11-15-1985, 15.[100]

–1  ~Devil’s Backbone, east of Huntersville, Rt. 39, Nov 4. Car washed away. Rose Mick.[101]

–1  ~Devil’s Backbone, E. of Huntersville, Rt. 39, Nov 4. Car washed away. Darren Skeens, 4.[102]

–1  ~Devil’s Backbone, east of Huntersville, Rt. 39, Nov 4. Car washed away. Ruby Skeens.[103]

–1  Marlinton. William Hayhurst.[104]

–1  Marlinton, Nov 5.[105] Drowned at his home.[106] Leo Mace Sr.[107]

—   5  Pocahontas County, Marlinton.[108]

—   6  Preston County. Teets / Young. “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters. 1985, 57.[109]

—   2       “            “    Cumberland Sunday Times, MD. “Flood Damages High…” 1-19-1986, B1.

–1  Albright. Presumed drowned. Josephine Newcomb[110] (or Newcome).[111]

–1  Cheat River Valley, Albright. Drowning; body found Nov 6.[112] Lynn Taylor, 89.[113]

—   1  Raleigh Co., Beckley (or Moorefield, Hardy Co.?). Presumed drowned. Carlos Milam.[114]

—   2  Randolph County, Elkins vicinity, Nov 4. Drownings; pickup swept off road.[115]

—   0        “              “      Teets & Young. “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters. 1985, p. 57.

—   3  Tucker Co. Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods…34.” 11-15-1985, 15.[116]

–1  Gladwin. Drowning. Raymond Bonner.[117]

–1  Gladwin. Drowning. Josephine Bonner.[118]

–1  Parsons. Stelman W. Harper, 87.[119] [Listed first under Grant County.]

—   2  Upshur Co. Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods…34.” 11-15-1985, 15.[120]

–1  Adrian[121] Nov 4.[122] Drowning; Elizabeth Jean Lane, 57.[123]

–1  Buckhannon. Presumably drowned. Joseph Guild Jr., 59.[124]

 

Identified West Virginia Fatalities and Presumed Deaths, Alphabetically Arranged:

 

1. Bonner, Josephine. Tucker County. Drowning.
2. Bonner, Raymond. Tucker County. Drowning.
3. Clower, Thomas Joe. Grant County. Drowning.
4. Flynn (Flinn?), James O. Hardy County.
5. Funk, Maurice Richard. Grant County. Drowning.
6. Gatto, Ronald. Grant County. Drowning.
7. Guild, Joseph Jr. Upshur County, Presumably drowned.
8. Gunnoe, Noble. Hardy County. Drowning.
9. Hammon, Charles Leonard. Hampshire County. Drowning.
10. Harper, Harry Lloyd. Grant County. Drowning.
11. Harper, Stelman. Grant or Tucker County. Drowning.
12. Hartman, William Clinton. Pendleton County. Drowning.
13. Hayhurst, William, Pocahontas County.
14. Hedrick, Arson. Pendleton County. Drowning.
15. Hedrick, Eva. Pendleton County. Drowning.
16. Huffman, Cathy Tinger. Pendleton County. Presumed drowned.
17. Hyatt, Tom. Grant County. Drowned.
18. Keplinger, James. Pendleton County. Drowning.
19. Kile, Jimmy. Grant County. Drowning.
20. Lamb, Mervin E. Pendleton County. Drowning.
21. Lane, Elizabeth Jean. Upshur County.
22. Lewis, Sarah Pearl. Pendleton County. Drowning.
23. Lilly, Dorothy. Pendleton County. Presumed drowning.
24. Mace, Leo Sr. Pocahontas County.
25. McKimmey, Willard. Hampshire County. Drowning.
26. McMillion, John Lee. Pendleton County. Drowning.
27. McMillion, Catherine or Kathleen. Pendleton County. Drowning.
28. Mick, Rose. Nicholas or Pocahontas County.
29. Milam, Carlos. Raleigh County. Presumed drowning.
30. Nelson, Delmer S. Pendleton County. Drowning.
31. Newcomb, Josephine. Preston County. Presumed drowning.
32. Oden, Paul Robert. Hampshire County. Drowning.
33. Painter, Margaret. Grant County. Drowning.
34. Pike, Jesse. Fayette County. Car accident.
35. Regester, Jerry. Hardy County. Drowning.
36. Regester, Larry Glen (twin of Jerry). Hardy County. Drowning
37. Schell, Kenneth Lee, Sr. Grant County. Drowning.
38. Schell, Richard Allen. Grant County. Drowning.
39. Skeens, Darren. Greenbrier or Pocahontas County. Drowning.
40. Skeens, Ruby. Greenbrier or Pocahontas County. Drowning.
41. Spencer, Mary. Pendleton County. Drowning.
42. Spencer, Willard R. Jr. Pendleton County. Drowning.
43. Spencer, Willard R. Sr. Pendleton County. Drowning.
44. Stone, Ivan. Pendleton County. Drowning.
45. Taylor, Lynn. Preston County. Drowning.
46. Watkins, Rob Roy. Hardy County.
47. Watkins, Virginia. Hardy County. Drowning.
48. Whiteside, Jody W. Pendleton County. Drowning.

 

Causes of Death – Direct (62):

 

Drowning:

1. Walnut Creek, western PA. Probable drowning; fisherman swept away, rising water.
2. Augusta Co., Swoope area, Middle River bridge, VA 703, Nov 4. Male, 22.
3. Augusta Co., Swoope area, Middle River bridge, VA 703, Nov 4. Male, 28.
4. Augusta County, VA 629, Calfpasture River, Nov 6 found. Drowning; male, 57.
5. Botetourt Co., Nov 5. Drowning victim body found (but no indication of origination).
6. Newport News (independent city). Missing, presumed drowned. Fisherman.
7. Roanoke County, Roanoke vic., Nov 4. Drowning; car stalled in water, female.
8. Roanoke County, Roanoke vic., Nov 4. Drowning; car stalled in water, male, 10.
9. Roanoke County, northwest Roanoke. Nov 4. Drowning in house.
10. Roanoke County, northwest Roanoke. Nov 4. Drowning in house.
11. Roanoke Co., Salem, Mason Creek, Nov 4. Female, ~40, found drowned in creek.
12. Rockingham Co., Lynwood, Nov 4, while crossing U.S. 340 bridge (collapse); male, 67.
13. Rockingham County, Mt. Crawford, North Riv., Nov 5. Pickup swept away, male 44.
14. Rockingham County, Mt. Crawford, North Riv., Nov 5. Pickup swept away, female, 35.
15. Rockingham Co., Timberville, Va 617, Nov 4. Attempting to drive to evac ctr., female, 47.
16. Rockingham Co., Verbena Bridge at U.S. 340, Nov 5. Car stalls in water; male, 48.
17. Shenandoah County, Nov 4. Drowning; canoe capsized, male, 40 or 42.
18. Grant County, Cabins, No. Fork So. Branch Potomac, Nov 4. Thomas Joe Clower, 32.
19. Grant County, Cabins, Nov 4. Drowning; James Edward “Jimmy” Kile, 48.
20. Grant Co., Elkins. Presumed drowned. Female (Painter), ~26, Still missing 3-25-1986.
21. Grant Co., Jordan Run area, Nov 4. Drowned; Harry Lloyd Harper, six days shy of 71.
22. Grant Co., Jordon Run area?, Parsons, Nov 8?. Drowning; Stelman Harper, 82.
23. Grant Co., North Fork River. Maurice Richard Funk (body found Feb 10, Grant Co.).
24. Grant Co., Petersburg, Mouth of Seneca, Nov 4. Kenneth Lee Schell, Sr., 37 or 38.
25. Grant Co., Petersburg, Nov 4 (found Nov 12). Truck washed away, male (R. Schell) 35.
26. Grant Co., Petersburg vic., North Fork & So. Branch, Potomac Riv., male (Gatto), 44.
27. Grant Co. Presumed drowned in Grant County. Tom Hyatt of North Charleroi, PA.
28. Greenbrier County, Renick. Drowning; Ruby Skeens, 56.
29. Greenbrier County, Renick. Drowning; Darren Skeens, 4.
30. Hampshire County, Milleson Mills vicinity. Hunter swept away in stream, male, 21.
31. Hampshire County, Milleson Mills vicinity. Hunter swept away in stream, male, 42.
32. Hampshire County, Milleson Mills vicinity. Hunter swept away in stream, male, 49.
33. Hardy Co., Durgon, Nov 4, found Nov 14 in Grant County. Male (Jerry Regester), 37.
34. Hardy Co., Durgon, Nov 4, found Nov 19. Larry Glenn Regester, 37 (twin of Jerry).
35. Hardy Co., Fisher, body recovered Nov 11. Drowning; female, Virginia Watkins.
36. Hardy Co., Milam, So. Fork So. Branch Potomac Riv., Nov 5. Noble Gunnoe, 58.
37. Hardy Co., Moorefield (or Fisher). Rob Roy Watkins, 67 or 69.
38. Pendleton Co., Upper Tract ~Ruddle, Nov 4. Mobile home washed away; Hartman, 75.
39. Pendleton Co., Brushy Run/Onego vicinity, Nov 4. Home flooded; Arson Hedrick, 90.
40. Pendleton Co., Brushy Run/Onego vicinity, Nov 4. Home flooded; Eva Hedrick, 70.
41. Pendleton Co., Franklin. Presumably (still missing 3-25-1986). Cathy T. Huffman, 19.
42. Pendleton Co., Upper Tract, Nov 4. Mobile home washed away. James Keplinger, 68.
43. Pendleton Co., Upper Tract ~Ruddle, Nov 4. Mobile home washed away; M. Lamb, 74.
44. Pendleton Co., Seneca Rocks, Nov 4. Swept away from home. Sarah Pearl Lewis, 93.
45. Pendleton Co., Franklin, Nov 4. Presumably; house washed away; Dorothy Lilly.
46. Pendleton Co., Seneca Rocks, Nov 4. Swept away from home. John Lee McMillion, 71.
47. Pendleton Co., Seneca Rocks. Presumably. Catherine (Kathleen?) McMillion, 58.
48. Pendleton Co., Cherry Grove, Nov 4. Pickup washed away, Delmer S. Nelson, 64.
49. Pendleton Co., Franklin, Nov 4. Drowning; Mary Spencer.
50. Pendleton Co., Franklin, Nov 4. Drowning, house washed away; Willard R. Spencer Jr.
51. Pendleton Co., Franklin, Nov 4. Drowning, house washed away; Willard R. Spencer Sr.
52. Pendleton Co., Franklin vic. Nov 4. Attempting to rescue Spencers; Ivan Stone, 65.
53. Pendleton Co., Seneca Rocks. Nov 4. Attempting rescue; male (Jody W. Whiteside), 16
54. Preston County, Albright. Presumed drowned. Josephine Newcomb.
55. Preston County, Cheat River Valley, Albright. Body found Nov 6. Lynn Taylor, 89.
56. Raleigh Co., Beckley (or Moorefield, Hardy Co.?). Presumed drowned. Carlos Milam.
57. Randolph County, Elkins vicinity, Nov 4. Drowning; pickup swept off road (2 victims).
58. Randolph County, Elkins vicinity, Nov 4. Drowning; pickup swept off road (2 victims).
59. Tucker County, Gladwin. Drowning. Josephine Bonner.
60. Tucker County, Gladwin. Drowning. Raymond Bonner.
61. Upshur County, Adrian, Nov 4. Drowning; Elizabeth Jean Lane, 57.
62. Upshur County, Buckhannon. Presumably drowned. Joseph Guild Jr., 59.

 

Causes of Death – Indirect (5)

Heart Attack:

1. Hardy County.

 

Mudslide washout train derailment:

1. Garrett Co, Strecker, Savage River, Nov 4. Mudslide washout train derailment. Male.

 

Vehicular Accidents:

1. Franklin County, U.S. 220, Nov 4. Car hits tree that washed onto the road.
2. Roanoke County, Roanoke vicinity. Car “struck a floodswept tree.”
3. Fayette County, Oak Hill, U.S. 19. Three-cars; “wet weather was a factor,” male, 50.

 

Cause of Death Not Noted (6)

1. Franklin County.
2. Page County.
3. Hardy County, Moorefield, Nov 5. James [Jim] O. Flynn (or Flinn), Jr., 62, ?[125]
4. Pocahontas County, Marlinton. William Hayhurst
5. Pocahontas County, Marlinton, Nov 5. Leo Mace Sr.
6. Pocahontas County, Marlinton. Rose Mick.

 

Narrative Information

 

Carpenter: “Heavy rainfall during the period October 31-November 6, 1985, caused record-breaking floods over a large region covering eastern West Virginia, western and northern Virginia, southwestern Pennsylvania, and western Maryland. The rainfall, most of which fell on November 4 and 5 and was indirectly related to Hurricane Juan, exceeded 10 inches over large areas. A maximum of 19.77 inches was recorded at the U.S. National Weather Service gage, Montebello 2 NE, in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia….

 

“A total of 62 lives were lost because of the flooding in the four-State region, and storm damage was estimated to be $1,400 million. Damage to the Roanoke-Salem, Virginia, area alone was estimated to be $440 million. Several small towns in West Virginia were almost totally destroyed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reported that the operation of flood-control projects in several river basins, including North Branch Potomac, James, Tygart Valley, and Kanawha, reduced total damage substantially.” (Carpenter 1990, p. 1.)

 

“….The flood in West Virginia was the worst in the State’s history. It has been nicknamed the “Killer Flood of 1985” in that State. In Virginia, because of the extraordinary fury of earlier Hurricanes Camille (1969) and Agnes (1972), it is a matter of conjecture as to whether this storm was the most devastating. Although Maryland and Pennsylvania experienced some severe, localized flooding in their western regions from this storm, they were spared widespread devastation….

 

“As much as 19 in. of rain fell over the affected region during the 7-day multiple-storm period. Virtually all the precipitation was related either directly or indirectly to an otherwise unimpressive hurricane named ‘Juan’….” (Carpenter 1990, p. 2.)

 

“The flooding of November 1985 in the four-State area of West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland resulted from a rather complex sequence of meteorological events (Virginia State Climatology Office, 1986[126]). Three separate but related low-pressure systems contributed to the problem.

 

“The first event, which only set the stage for the record flood, received the most public notice. This event was Hurricane Juan and the publicity resulted because its associated windspeed gave it hurricane status, though barely. Hurricane Juan came ashore from the Gulf of Mexico over southern Mississippi and followed a generally northerly path until its remnants ultimately reached Michigan.

 

“During its northern passage, Juan spawned a small secondary lowpressure system which moved eastward across North Carolina and passed offshore. This system, together with Juan, produced primarily moderate rainfall in the study area.

 

“A third low-pressure system, which also was an outgrowth of the influence of Juan on the atmosphere, then transformed what would have been a very minor flood event into a major disaster.”  (Carpenter 1990, p. 6.)

 

“….The October-November 1985 storm period caused extremely severe flooding over large areas of West Virginia and Virginia. Flooding in Pennsylvania and Maryland was somewhat less severe and widespread but very damaging. Exclusive of indirectly related coastal flooding resulting from unusually high tides (damage estimated to be $35 million), this storm was the fourth most costly hurricane-type storm (tropical cyclone) in United States history. Sixty-two lives were lost, and damage was estimated to be $1,400 million. The damage has been exceeded only by Hurricane Agnes (1972), 117 lives lost and $3,103 million damages; Camille (1969), 258 lives lost and $1,421 million damages; and Betsy (1965), 75 lives lost and $1,420 million damages (Bailey, Patterson, and Paulhus, 1975[127]). The costs of these three previous storms would, of course, be substantially greater if translated into the 1985 dollars of the subject event….” (Carpenter 1990, p. 10.)

 

“….Damage was estimated to be $578 million and 38 people died as a result of the flooding in West Virginia (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1985c[128]).

 

“In Virginia, the James River and the Roanoke River basins were especially hard hit….A total of 22 deaths were attributed to the flooding in Virginia, and damage was estimated to be $753 million (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1985b[129]), including approximately $19 million estimated to have been caused by tide-related flooding in coastal areas.

 

“In Pennsylvania, severe flooding occurred along the Monongahela River…One fatality was attributed to the flooding in Pennsylvania, and damage was estimated to be $83 million (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 1985a[130]).

 

“In Maryland, the upper Potomac River basin experienced severe flooding…. One death resulted from the flooding in Maryland. Damage was estimated at $5 million, plus another $16 million

related to tidal-coastal flooding (Maryland Emergency Management and Civil Defense Agency, written commun., 1986).”  (Carpenter 1990, p. 16.)

 

“In West Virginia….Nearly 9,000 homes were damaged by the flooding, of which more than 4,000 were completely destroyed. Thousands of acres of productive farmland were literally stripped of their topsoil, leaving broad expanses of boulders and rubble often over 3 ft thick. Agricultural losses alone were estimated to be $97 million. A total of 50 highway bridges were destroyed according to the West Virginia State Department of Highways, and damage to businesses was estimated at $118 million.” (Carpenter 1990, p. 20.)

 

“Flood damage in Virginia was extremely severe. Monetarily, Virginia’s losses were the largest by far for any flood in the history of the State, including Hurricanes Camille and Agnes. Virginia’s losses even exceeded those estimated for West Virginia for this flood, no doubt because more populated and otherwise developed areas were on the flood plains of the most severely flooded rivers in Virginia. The metropolitan areas of Richmond and Lynchburg along the James River, and Roanoke and Salem along the Roanoke River all sustained particularly heavy damage with flood stages being the worst ever recorded in the Roanoke, Salem, and Lynchburg areas. A total of 22 lives were lost in Virginia and damage, was estimated at $753 million…The disaster-area declaration by the Federal Government included 40 counties and 12 independent cities.

 

“Damage to the Roanoke-Salem region alone was estimated at $440 million. Damage to one manufacturing facility exceeded $20 million, according to a Roanoke-based newspaper. Many people in Roanoke were rescued from rooftops by boats and helicopters. Residents of one apartment complex in Salem were rescued by boat from third-floor apartments.” (Carpenter 1990, p. 37.)

 

“Flood damage in Pennsylvania was extremely heavy along the Monongahela River, but was essentially limited to that river basin. There was one flood-related fatality in the State and damage was estimated at $83 million…A total of six counties in Pennsylvania were declared disaster areas by the Federal Government. Nearly 3,000 homes in the disaster-declared counties were damaged, with major damage to over 900 of them. Damage to the facilities of one of the

steel companies along the river was estimated to be $3 million.

 

“Along the Monongahela River there is a network of nine locks and dams that normally make it navigable throughout its length. Commercial barge traffic is extensive and important to the economy. During the flood, 62 barges broke loose from their moorings. They smashed into bridges, got caught in dams and locks, and some sank, causing extremely hazardous conditions. Repairs to damaged facilities, clearing the channel, and the loss of commerce were estimated to be as much as $15 million….” (Carpenter 1990, p. 53.)

 

“Flooding in Maryland was more widespread than in Pennsylvania, but generally less severe. Except for some incidental flooding caused by high tides in the coastal regions, flooding in Maryland was confined mainly to the Potomac River basin. This flooding, however, created some serious problems all the way from the headwaters of the Potomac, on the North Branch, to Washington, D.C. The most serious flooding occurred in the headwaters of the North Branch and on the mainstem Potomac River downstream from confluences with major tributaries from the south which drained the severely flooded regions of West Virginia and Virginia. The major flooding in the headwaters occurred upstream from Bloomington Lake, which was very effective in preventing more severe flooding downstream. Significant flooding did occur in the Youghiogheny River basin in Maryland, but it did not cause widespread damage.”  (Carpenter 1990, p. 61.)

 

“Summary.  Heavy rains over the period October 31-November 6, 1985 (related to Hurricane Juan), caused major flooding over a large region of West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Totals in excess of 10 in. of rain were recorded over much of the region. As a result, the greatest floods on record occurred at many locations in each of the following major river basins: Potomac, James, Roanoke, Monongahela, and Kanawha….” (Carpenter 1990, p. 64.)

 

(Carpenter (USGS). Floods in West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, November 1985. 1990.)

 

Teets and Young:  “Coral Gables. Mark Zimmer, a meteorologist with 27 years’ experience working for the National Hurricane Center or related agencies, said Hurricane Juan’s influence was the ‘major contributing factor’ to the record rainfall received in West Virginia during the days preceding the Killing Waters.”  (Teets, Bob, and Shelby Young (Compilers and Editors). Killing Waters: The Great West Virginia Flood of 1985. 1985, p. 111.)

 

VA DEM:  “Election Day Flood in 1985. Heavy rainfall from October 31 through November 6, 1985, caused record-breaking floods over a large region, including western and northern Virginia. Most of the rain fell on November 4 and 5 causing flash flooding. Heavy rainfall was indirectly related to Hurricane Juan. The Roanoke River rose seven feet in one hour and 18 feet in six hours, cresting at 23 feet on November 5. There were 22 deaths in Virginia as a result of the flooding. FEMA declared 50 jurisdictions disaster areas. Approximately 1.7 million people were affected by the flooding; damages were estimated at $800 million.”  (Commonwealth of VA. Hazard Mitigation Plan. Chapter 3, “Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (HIRA),” Section 3.3 – Declared Disasters and NCDC Data. Richmond: VA DEM, March 2013, pp. 5-6.)

 

Newspapers

 

Nov 6, 1985 report on WV: “….The swelled South Branch of the Potomac was receding Tuesday night, but “very, very slowly,” reported a spokesman for the county emergency communications center in Petersburg. All of Petersburg and Maysville [WV] had been evacuated through the night Monday, and not all had been allowed to return to their homes by Tuesday night. “The biggest problem we have right now,” the spokesman said, “is looting.” The National Guard had been called in to assist state police, local sheriff’s department officials and city police in controlling looting. Power outages and telephone service disruption continued widespread throughout the county, and most roads remained impassable. Bridges were out, and it was still raining Tuesday night. “Many, many homes have been destroyed,” the spokesman added….” (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Flooding Claims at Least Six Lives.” 11-6-1985, p. 1.)

 

Jan 19, 1986 article on WV:  “It has been a little more than two months since nature stockpiled an unimaginable amount of water in the mountains of “wild, wonderful” West Virginia, then unleashed it with nuclear-like fury, creating a meandering path of death and destruction for approximately 200 miles. Homes and businesses, along with cars, trucks, buses, livestock, and any other thing in the path of the largest wall of water in West Virginia’s history, washed away….

 

“Ten persons died in the flood in both Grant and Pendleton counties. Hardy and Pocahontas each had four deaths, Hampshire and Tucker each three, and Preston and Upshur each two. Mineral, Morgan, and Berkeley had none….

 

“The terrifying storm of early November could have been far more costly in human lives had it occurred during the middle of the summer season when there is a population explosion along the rivers. The South Branch of the Potomac was lined for miles on both sides of the river with camps, including many homes that served as permanent residences. ‘Just think what could have happened had that incredibly high water hit the South Branch during the middle of the night on a Fourth of July weekend,’ said press [Governor’s Office] spokesman [Al] Lisko. ‘Hundreds of lives would have been lost.’ The water in some places along the ‘Branch’ was as high as 50 feet above the normal level of the river….” Cumberland Sunday Times, MD (Suter Kegg). “Flood Damages High. South Branch Area Victim of Nature.” 1-19-1986, B1.

 

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National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Pennsylvania. All Available Event Types. 0 events were reported between 10/30/1985 and 11/08/1985 (10 days). Accessed 6-23-2014 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=ALL&beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=30&beginDate_yyyy=1985&endDate_mm=11&endDate_dd=08&endDate_yyyy=1985&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=42%2CPENNSYLVANIA

 

National Climatic Data Center, NOAA. Storm Events Database. Search Results for All Counties in Virginia. All Available Event Types. 0 events were reported between 10/30/1985 and 11/08/1985 (10 days). Accessed 6-23-2014 at: http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/stormevents/listevents.jsp?eventType=ALL&beginDate_mm=10&beginDate_dd=30&beginDate_yyyy=1985&endDate_mm=11&endDate_dd=08&endDate_yyyy=1985&county=ALL&hailfilter=0.00&tornfilter=0&windfilter=000&sort=DT&submitbutton=Search&statefips=51%2CVIRGINIA

 

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Teets, Bob, and Shelby Young (Compilers and Editors). Killing Waters: The Great West Virginia Flood of 1985. Terra Alta, WV: Cheat River Publishing, 1985.

 

United Press International. “Drive Helps W.Va. Flood Victims’ Pets.” Cumberland Times/News, Md. 12-11-1985, p. 5. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=183871938&sterm

 

United Press International, Charleston, WV. “Flood Regions. Emergency Crews Keep on Working.” Cumberland Times/News, MD. 12-13-1985, p. 17. Accessed 6-26-2014 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=183873044&sterm=flood+drown

 

United Press International, Petersburg, WV. “Flood Victim’s Body Found by Searcher’s.” Cumberland Times/News, MD. 2-12-1986, p. 17. Accessed 6-27-2014 at: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=183867021&sterm=flood+drown+death

 

United Press International. “Kate Rakes Atlantic Coast.” Cumberland News, MD. 11-23-1985, p. 1. At: http://newspaperarchive.com/fullpagepdfviewer?img=183833515&sterm=flood+drown

 

United States General Accounting Office. Disaster Assistance. Response to West Virginia’s November 1985 Flood Shows Need for Improvements (Report to Congressional Requesters. GAO/RCED-88-5).  Washington, DC: GAO, February 1988. Accessed 6-25-2014 at: http://gao.justia.com/federal-emergency-management-agency/1988/2/disaster-assistance-rced-88-5/RCED-88-5-full-report.pdf

 

United States General Accounting Office. Federal Disaster Assistance. Relief to 1985 Virginia Flood Victims – Process and Alternatives (Briefing Report to the Honorable Paul S. Trible, Jr., United States Senate. GAO/RCED-87-21BR). Washington, DC: GAO, Oct 1986. Accessed 6-25-2014 at: http://www.gao.gov/assets/80/76093.pdf

 

United States Geological Survey. “West Virginia Floods and Droughts.” National Water Summary 1988-89–Floods and Droughts (U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply Paper 2375). Accessed 6-23-2014 at: http://md.water.usgs.gov/publications/wsp-2375/wv/

 

Van Gurdy, James J. and William B. White. “Sediment flushing in Mystic Cave, West Virginia, USA, in response to the 1985 Potomac Valley flood.” International Journal of Speleology, Bologna, Italy, Vol. 38, No. 2, July 2009, pp. 103-109. Accessed 6-23-2014 at: http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1145&context=ijs

 

West Virginia Archives & History. Time Trail, West Virginia, November 4, 1985. “Floods devastate West Virginia.” West Virginia Division of Culture and History. 2014. Accessed 6-23-2014 at: http://www.wvculture.org/history/timetrl/ttnov.html#1104

 

White, Davin and Gary A. Harki. “From Parsons to Franklin, flood waters  swamp entire communities.” The Exponent Telegram, Clarksburg, WV. 4-27-2012. Accessed 6-24-2014 at: http://www.theet.com/news/local/from-parsons-to-franklin-flood-waters-swamp-entire-communities/article_6ee71743-2f73-5d97-894e-859b805061f8.html?mode=jqm

 

 

 

[1] This probably includes 11-17 fatalities attributed to Juan as a Hurricane in the Gulf and coastal LA, FL, TX.

[2] Notes dates between Oct 27 and 31 and “Category 1 hurricane—Louisiana and Southeast U.S. – severe flooding.” The figure of 63 deaths, however, may well include 11-17 fatalities in LA, FL, and TX that occurred in early Oct 27-31, which we do not include here. (See separate file on Hurricane Juan in LA.)

[3] “Flash flood watches were posted for parts of the Atlantic Coast, where flooding two weeks ago killed 48 people.”

[4] Notes “about 20 people were still listed as missing in the floods that followed three days of heavy rain.”

[5] Victim identified as David S. Ake, of Cumberland. His body found next day in one of two locomotives which fell into the Savage River following the derailment. The derailment “occurred when a Chessie System 135-car coal train with four diesel units derailed Monday night in mudslide washout at Strecker, Md., off the Savage River Road.” The mudslide was “caused by severe, widespread flooding…” A train fireman in the third unit was reported missing. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Floods Blamed in City Man’s Death; Several Missing.” 11-5-1985, 1.)

[6] No details provided.

[7] A November 5 Associated Press report notes that “In western Pennsylvania, volunteers searched Walnut Creek, which drains into Lake Erie, without finding a fisherman swept away today by rising waters as a companion scrambled to safety.” (AP (Scott Williams). “Floods Kill 11, Strand Thousands, Isolate Communities.” 11-5-1985.)

[8] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15; Cumberland Times-News, MD. “Hope Exists on Locating Five Bodies. 3-25-1986, p. 11. We highlight in that we include in Grant Co., WV deaths.

[9] There are differing reports of Botetourt Co., fatalities. One report has two, one has 1 body recovered there, and one has none. Our range includes one Botetourt County fatality for the low range and two for the high range.

[10] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Five Still Missing, Presumed Dead.” 11-8-1985, p. 19. Victim identified as Thomas M. Phillips of Deerfield, who “apparently drowned when his pickup truck was washed off Va. 629 into the overflowing Calfpasture River.” Had last been seen Monday, Nov. 4.

[11] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Five Still Missing, Presumed Dead.” 11-8-1985, p. 19. Notes search for Marvin J. and Douglas Knight. A Familytreemaker.genealogy.com webpage notes the death of Marvin Junior Knight, Jr., 28, on 11-5-1985 in Augusta County, VA. (“Descendants of Michael Jackson” webpage.) Same page notes death of Douglas Edward Knight, in Craigsville, Augusta County, VA, 11-5-1985. Douglas Knight’s body, 22, was found on Nov 8. (Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Currents Claim Two More Lives.” 11-9-1985, 17.)

[12] We highlight in that a November 29 AP report in the Daily News Record, Harrisonburg, VA (“Flood-Stricken Town Gives Thanks, p. 19), cites a resident to the “fact there was no loss of life…”

[13] Associated Press. “Flooding isolates Appalachian towns.” Kokomo Tribune, IN. 11-5-1985, p. 8.

[14] Assoc. Press (Scott Williams). “Floods Kill 11, Strand Thousands, Isolate Communities.” 11-5-1985, 2:11 ET.

[15] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll Still at Eight; Three Missing,” 11-7-1985, p. 16. Victims identified as Willard R. Spencer Sr., and his son, Willard R. Spencer. Spencer’s wife, Mary and her mother were missing at the time of the article. A Nov 8 article notes that the bodies were found in Highland County, but that the family had two weeks earlier moved to nearby Pendleton Co., WV., where it appears they drowned.

[16] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll Still at Eight; Three Missing,” 11-7-1985, p. 16. Victim identified as Ivan L. Stone of Rt. 7, Franklin. Appears, though, that this was a Pendleton Co., WV drowning.

[17] Assoc. Press (Scott Williams). “Floods Kill 11, Strand Thousands, Isolate Communities.” 11-5-1985, 2:11 ET.

[18] Mark Lynn Ferguson. “Washed Away: The 1985 Flood.” The Revivalist: Word From the Appalachian South. 11-22-2010. The boy was Steven Gusler, and the female was his grandmother.

[19] Article notes three known deaths in Roanoke and three in Roanoke County. We have listed two deaths on Nov 4 already. (AP. “Robb Tours Flood-Stricken Areas.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. 11-7-1985, p. 20.)

[20] AP. “Juan’s storms kill at least 4.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD. 11-5-1985, p. 19.

[21] AP (Petterson). “Heavy Rain Spawns Flooding in Virginias, North Carolina.” Aiken Standard, SC, 11-5-1985, 2B. AP. “Juan’s storms kill at least 4.” The Capital, Annapolis, MD. 11-5-1985, p. 19. Notes that “at least four people died yesterday in the Roanoke area, three by drowning and one when a car struck a floodswept tree.”

[22] AP (Petterson). “Heavy Rain Spawns Flooding in Virginias, [NC].” Aiken Standard, SC, 11-5-1985, 2B.

[23] Victim was Charles Marshall of Elkton. Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll…” 11-1985, 16.

[24] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll Still at Eight; Three Missing,” 11-7-1985, p. 16. Victims identified as Lowell Rogers and Pamela S. Rankin of Elkton.

[25] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll…” 11-7-85, 16. Victim was Shirley Hamblin of Timberville.

[26] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll Still at Eight; Three Missing,” 11-7-1985, p. 16. Victim was identified as Oliver Kyger, whose body was found Tuesday, Nov 5.

[27] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Death Toll Still at Eight…” 11-7-1985, 16. The Thursday article notes that on Monday the canoe of Robert Wichser, Jr., 40, who was attempting to move his sheep [one by one] to higher ground, with his wife, tipped over east of Maurertown and he was swept away, though his wife was saved. Body found Nov 8. (Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Currents Claim Two More Lives.” 11-9-1985, p. 17.) Age of 42 from: Alton Telegraph, IL (Dennis McMurray). “Former Findley aide dies in flood.” 11-13-1985, A-6.)

[28] In early January 1986 a bill was introduced in the WV Legislature allowing a presumption of death for the 10 people sill missing after the November floods. It was endorsed by the House Judiciary Committee. (AP, Charleston, WV. “W.Va. Lawmakers Study Flood-Related Bills.” Cumberland Times/News, MD. 1-14-1986, p. 2.)

[29] We show six sources citing 47 fatalities and one (UPI, 12-11-1985, noting 48 – probably including missing, some of whom were found dead in early 1986). Our own count of individualized fatalities comes up with 48 (disregarding reports by counties which shows 59).

[30] A problem with county breakouts is the nature of reporting which sometimes reports where a body was found, and at other times where a person was from or where they were when drowned. Thus a person could have lived in one locality, been at another locality when killed, and found at yet a third locality. Thus the 61 figure is not reliable.

[31] Dead and missing.

[32] “In West Virginia, 47 people were killed in the flood of 1985. Pendleton and Grant counties had the most fatalities. Towns such as Parsons, Rowlesburg, Philippi, Marlinton, Glenville, Petersburg, and Moorefield were severely damaged.” Cites as sources for the article: Wayne Bittinger (ed.). The Flood of November 4-5, 1985, in Tucker, Preston, Grant and Hardy Counties West Virginia. Parsons, WV: McClain Printing Co., 1985; Bob Teets and Shelby Young (eds.). Killing Waters: The Great  West Virginia Flood of 1985. Terra Alta: Cheat River Pub., 1985; and Todd L. Newmark. Looking Back Ten Years Later: The Flood of 1985. Goldenseal, (Fall 1995).

[33] “Pendleton and Grant counties had the most fatalities.”

[34] Cites Bob Teets / Shelby Young. Killing Waters: The Great West Virginia Flood of 1985. Parsons, WV: 1985.

[35] Notes “Five West Virginians are still missing.”

[36] Notes “nine persons still missing.”

[37] Notes 10 missing.

[38] Cites WV Office of Emergency Services Director Mannie Griffith, who noted, as well ten still missing.

[39] Notes 12 still missing.

[40] Notes 13 still missing.

[41] Notes 17 still missing.

[42] Notes 20 still missing.

[43] Notes 29 still missing.

[44] “The number of deaths in nearby West Virginia as a result of last week’s flooding increased over the weekend to 25 as officials located seven more bodies….that brings the missing list down to around 30.”

[45] Notes 44 still missing.

[46] Confirmed deaths, citing WV state officials.

[47] Victim identified as Jesse Pack of Fayetteville. Statement that wet weather was a factor attributed to Sheriff’s deputies. (Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Thousands Evacuated” (continued from page 1). 11-5-1985, p. 22,

[48] There is no doubt there were at least ten drowning deaths. There were, as of Feb 25, 1986 three missing, for 13. If one is to accept Fouch 2012, p. 4, there were 15 deaths. Thus the range 13-15.

[49] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Young Flood Victim’s Body Discovered.” 2-25-1986, pp. 11 & 16.

[50] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Cabins Flood Victim Services Set Monday.” 11-11-1985, p. 12.

[51] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Services Slated for Flood Victim.” 11-19-1985, p. 13.

[52] Findagrave.com. “Harry Lloyd Harper.” 3-28-2012 posting. Listed as missing in: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. A Harry Floyd Harper of Hendricks County, WV was listed as having died there in 1985 (born in 1914). Wallet of “Harry Harper” was found near body of Maurice Richard Funk, in Grant County on the banks of the North Fork River, Feb 10, 1986.

[53] The location comes from Findagrave.com “Selena ‘Maxine’ Wolford Harper,” who was married to Harry Harper. It is written on this webpage that “Harry died on Nov 4, 1985 after being trapped…by flood water in the Jordan Run area of Grant Co. He and his brother, Stelman Harper were returning from the Petersburg stockyard.”

[54] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. Date and cause of death from: Cumberland News, MD. “Retired School Official Drowns.” 11-9-1985, p. 20.

[55] “Editor’s Note: Young Elkins residents Bill Painter and his wife, Margaret, were returning home from a Marathon race in Washington, D.C., when they were trapped in the flood near Petersburg on Monday [Nov 4]. Painter’s wife is still missing and his home in Crystal Springs is severely damaged by floodwater. Painter recalled his 13-hour nightmare as he talked to Editor Eldora M. Nuzum: ‘We were about ten miles outside of Petersburg going toward Mouth of Seneca. There was about six inches of water crossing the road. We were able to drive through it, but then we came to a point where we couldn’t cross the road, so we turned around and tried to go back the same way we came, but the water had risen to where we couldn’t cross it. We stopped at a campground at Jordan Run. There were two other trucks with people and two hunters – nine all together. Margaret was the only woman. We had all parked on a knoll at the campground and it was becoming surrounded by water. It was three or four feet deep and 100 feet across at one place and we tried to ford it, but the water was too swift to cross. We all decided it would be safer to stay where we were. The water kept rising and about 5:30 p.m. my wife and I crossed the water to a two-story house at the campground. We waded in the water to get to it. WE broke out windows and climbed inside. We went up to the second floor and at about 7 p.m. the other people who hadn’t come across, tried to make it. The water had risen six to seven feet. They had a small boat and five to six people were clinging to the outside. Two older men were inside the boat. They got within five feet of the house and the current swept them away. One or two of them got back to where they originally were and climbed on top of some mobile homes. That was about 7:30 p.m. Ten or 15 mobile homes and trailers were all washed away. At about 8 p.m. the water came to the second story window. It had risen 15 feet in three or four hours. It knocked the house off the foundation. It broke up. As it was breaking up, the roof split in two and my wife and I climbed out onto the section of the roof which measured about eight feet by eight feet. We floated down stream about three miles on a section of the roof, then it overturned and I lost hold of her….Of all the persons in the other party who were stranded with us the rescuers have only recovered one of the bodies’.” [Mr. Painter was rescued from floating debris many hours later. Margaret Painter, age 29, had a 21-month-old son.] (Eldora M. Nuzum. “Margaret Painter swept away by flood waters at Petersburg…” Inter-Mountain, Elkins, WV, Nov 4; reproduced at page 11 in Teets and Young.)

[56] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[57] Cumberland Times-News, MD. “Hope Exists on Locating Five Bodies. 3-25-1986, p. 11.

[58] UPI, Petersburg, WV. “Flood Victim’s Body Found by Searcher’s.” Cumberland Times/News, MD. 2-12-86, 17.

[59] Drowning victim identified as Ronald Gatto of Fallowfield, PA. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Bodies of More Flood Victims Found.” 11-14-1985, p. 41.)

[60] “Kenneth Lee Schell, Sr., 37, of Petersburg, died Monday [Nov 4] in the flood while traveling through Mouth of Seneca. The body was recovered about five miles southwest of Petersburg. The victim and his brother, Richard Schell, also of Petersburg, were returning from their place of work at a sawmill on Spruce Knob when their truck was washed away in the rushing river. Richard Schell still is listed as missing.” (Cumberland News, MD. “Mouth of Seneca Flood Victim Found.” 11-9-1985, p. 20.)

[61] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA (Eric Niiler). “Bouncing Back. West Virginians…” 11-9-1985, p. 17.

[62] Drowning victim identified as Richard Allen Schell, brother of Kenneth Lee Schell. They were driving “through Mouth of Seneca.” (Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Petersburg Man, 35, Victim of Flooding.” 11-13-1985, p. 30.)

[63] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15; Cumberland Times-News, MD. “Hope Exists on Locating Five Bodies. 3-25-1986, p. 11.

[64] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. We highlight in that it appears from another source that she was swept away from her home in Seneca Rocks, which is in Pendleton County, WV.

[65] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. Body was found in Grant county.

[66] “Police reported 18 confirmed deaths: five in Greenbrier County…” Associated Press. “W.Va. Concerned with Public Health Problems After Record Flood…18 Bodies Recovered.” Cumberland Times/News, MD. 11-7-1985, 2.

[67] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[68] In that a newspaper report clearly puts the location of their car being swept away in Pocahontas County, we speculate that they lived in Renick, Greenbrier County.

[69] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H.

[70] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “19 Known Dead From Area Flooding.” 11-8-1985, p. 19. Article notes that there were others in the hunting party who were all in the water at one time but had been rescued.

[71] Victims identified as Charles Leonard Hammon, 49, of Frederick, and Willard McKimmey, 42, of Waterford, VA vicinity (both found on Nov 14), and Paul Robert Oden, 21, of Brunswick (whose body was found on Nov 10). The hunters had been swept away while trying to cross a flooded area. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods Climbs to 34.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.)

[72] Notes that there had been four county deaths, three drownings and one heart attack. We know that J. Regester’s body was found on Nov 14, after this article was published on the 13^th.

[73] Notes 1 missing.

[74] Another source notes the location as Smoke Hole Cavern where he and his twin brother were caught on their way home from a logging job on Cheat Mountain. Article writes that “Four others died at the same location.” (The Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV. “Deaths,” no date; p. 51 in Teets and Young.)

[75] Victim identified as Jerry Regester. Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Toll From Floods Climbs to 34.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. His twin brother, Larry Regester, was still missing at the time of the article.

[76] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Joint Funeral Set for Twin Brothers.” 11-20-1985, p. 18.

[77] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[78] “Moorefield, W.Va. – Nobel (Curly) Gunnoe, 58, of Milam [Hardy Co.] died Tuesday [Nov 5] as the result of an accidental drowning in the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac River. His cabin near the South Fork was inundated in the flood that raged through here Tuesday, and he was swept away in the current.” (Cumberland News, MD. “Nobel Gunnoe Dies in Flood at Milam.” 11-9-1985, p. 20.)  Noted among Grant County dead at: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, 15.

[79] “Moorefield, W.VA. – James O. Flinn Jr., 62, died suddenly Tuesday…” (Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Area Deaths, Funeral Notices.” 11-7-1985, p. 14.)  Noted as flood victim in: Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA (Eric Niler). “Bouncing Back. West Virginians…” 11-9-1985, p. 17. Writing of “This week’s flood” the paper notes “The toll in Grant and Hardy County rose to five dead, 11 presumed dead and approximately 45 missing…Dead are…James O. Flynn Jr., 62, Moorefield…”

[80] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H. Age was 68, from Fisher, according to: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[81] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H.

[82] Notes two Pendleton County people were still missing.

[83] Notes four missing.

[84] 14 missing as of Nov 11. (AP. “W.Va. Missing…Sought.” Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg. 11-11-1985, 17.)

[85] Victim identified as William Clinton (Clint) Hartman, whose Kimble Trailer Park mobile home “was washed away in flooding of the South Branch of the Potomac River.” (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Flood Claims Two From Cabin Home.” 11-11-1985, 12; Cumberland Evening Times. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[86] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15. According to 11-11-1985 edition of paper, p. 12 (“Elderly Brother, Sister Die in Flood”), victim was Arson George Hedrick of Onego, who drowned with his sister Eva Hedrick, when the “flood swollen North Fork of the Potomac River” inundated their home.

[87] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[88] Cumberland Times-News, MD. “Hope Exists on Locating Five Bodies. 3-25-1986, p. 11.

[89] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Upper Tract Man Flooding Victim.” 11-11-1985, p. 12. Full name given as James Welsey Keplinger.

[90] Victim identified as Mervin E. Lamb, who shared a mobile home with William Hartman, who also drowned. Cumberland Evening Times, MD “Flood Claims Two From Cabin Home.” 11-11-1985, 12; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[91] Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Deaths and Funeral Notices of Tri-State Area. Joint Services Set for Flood Victims.” 11-15-1985, p. 14. Sarah Pearl Lewis and John Lee McMillion were drowned when all three were swept away “when flood waters demolished their home.” (Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Deaths and Funeral…Joint Services Set for Flood Victims.” 11-15-1985, p. 14.)

[92] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Five Still Missing, Presumed Dead.” 11-8-1985, p. 19. Mother of Mary Spencer. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.)

[93] Drowning victim identified as John McMillan, of the Cabins, WV. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Bodies of More Flood Victims Found.” 11-14-1985, p. 41.) Notes he was at a trailer court and that his body traveled abut 15 miles downstream. Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Deaths and Funeral…Joint Services Set for Flood Victims.” 11-15-1985, p. 14. Body found a the Confluence of the North Fork and South Branch of the Potomac River.

[94] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15; Cumberland Times-News, MD. “Hope Exists on Locating Five Bodies. 3-25-1986, p. 11.

[95] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Delmer S. Nelson” (obituary). 11-11-1985, p. 9. Another article writes that “when flooding Potomac River waters rose he stepped out of the truck and into a hole.” (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Cherry Grove Flooding Claims Delmer Nelson.” 11-11-1985, p. 12.)

[96] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[97] See  Highland Co., VA. Apparently drownings occurred in Pendleton Co., WV, but bodies found in Highland Co., VA. (Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Five Still Missing, Presumed Dead.” 11-8-1985, p. 19.) Date of drownings is from: Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Three Bodies Still Missing.” 11-11-1985, p. 9.

[98] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[99] “A front-page article from the Pendleton Times in mid-November…tells the story of Jody [Wayne] Whiteside, a 16-year-old Circleville High football player killed in the flood at Seneca Rocks. He attempted to rescue an elderly woman form her home and was caught in the rising waters.” (White and Harki. “From Parsons to Franklin, flood waters  swamp entire communities.” The Exponent Telegram, 4-27-2012.) Date is from: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Floods Blamed in City Man’s Death; Several Missing.” 11-5-1985, p. 1. His body was found Feb 24, 1986m about 300 yards from the bridge behind the visitors center at Seneca Rocks. (Cumberland Evening Times. “Young Flood Victim’s Body Discovered.” 2-25-1986, pp. 11 & 16.)

[100] See, also: Teets and Young (Eds.). “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters, 1985, p. 57.

[101] “Three people died when the car they were traveling in was washed off of Rt. 39 about 7 p.m. Monday [Nov 4]. Dead were two women, Ruby Skeens and Rose Mick, and a four-year-old boy, Darren Skeens. They were traveling east and the car was washed off the road above Devil’s Backbone just east of Huntersville.” (Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV. “Flood leaves destruction – four dead,” 11-7-1985; p. 18 in Teets and Young.)  See also: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[102] Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV. “Flood leaves destruction – four dead,” 11-7-1985; p. 18 in Teets/Young.

[103] Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV. “Flood leaves destruction – four dead,” 11-7-1985; p. 18 in Teets/Young.

[104] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[105] Date of death is from: Findagrave.com. “Mace, Leo W., Sr.…d. Nov. 5, 1985.” (Buried in Marlinton, WV.)

[106] News report writes that Mr. Mace “died in his Marlinton home when he was unable to escape from the rising flood.” (Pocahontas Times, Marlinton, WV. “Flood leaves destruction – four dead,” 11-7-1985; p. 18 in Teets.)

[107] Charleston Gazette, WV. (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[108] “The Town of Marlinton, West Virginia (WV), and the Greenbrier Valley have a long history of flooding, with the largest recorded floods of recent occurrence. The flood of record occurred on November 1985 and inundated almost the entire Town of Marlinton. This flood event had an estimated frequency of 350 years…and resulted in five deaths.” (Battelle Memorial Institute (for US COE). Final Independent External Peer Review Report… 2010, p. 1.)

[109] We are not using this number in that it appears to contain a mistake. The entry notes “4 People Dead” and the next line notes “2 Dead.” For other counties the notation for deaths is followed by the number of missing, where there were missing. We speculate one or the other number may refer to missing, or could just be a mistaken entry.

[110] Cumberland Times/News, MD. “19 Known Dead From Area Flooding” (cont. from p. 17). 11-8-1985, p. 19; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[111] Latter spelling from: Linda Benson. “Preston County hit by flood of ’85.” Preston County Journal, p. 50 in Bittinger.

[112] Cumberland Evening Times, MD (Sliviak). “17 Area Deaths Blamed on Widespread Flooding.” 11-7-1985, 10.

[113] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H.

[114] Article writes that: “As of Monday Carlos Milam of Beckley was declared officially missing-presumed dead. This search continues on the South Fork for his body.” (Moorefield Examiner, WV. “Coroner’s Report.” 11-13-1985, WV A&H.) Another article has his home as Moorefield, which is in Hardy County. (Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.) It is conceivable he lived in one place and died in the other.

[115] AP (Petterson). “Heavy Rain Spawns Flooding in Virginias, [NC].” Aiken Standard, SC, 11-5-1985, 2B.

[116] We have seen a Chicago Tribune report that two of the flood fatalities were from Parsons. (Chicago Tribune (Michael Hirsley). “Flood Leaves 42 Dead in 4 States.” 11-9-1985.) Teets & Young note 2 dead, 1 missing (p. 57).

[117] Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[118] Article notes that her body, the last one found at this date, was found two weeks earlier [early Jan 1986] but was not identified until Monday, Jan 13. (Cumberland Sunday Times, MD (Suter Kegg). “Flood Damages High. South Branch Area Victim of Nature.” 1-19-1986, B1.

[119] Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA. “Bouncing Back. West Virginians Start From Scratch…” 11-9-1985, 17.

[120] Also: Teets & Young. “Flood counties in profile.” Killing Waters. 1985, p. 57.

[121] According to: Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15; and Findagrave.com. “Elizabeth Jean Lane.”

[122] Date is from: Records.ancestry.com. “Elizabeth Jean Lane.” Also notes she died in Upshur, WV.

[123] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H.

[124] Charleston Gazette, WV (Patty Vandergrift). “8 counties declared disaster area.” 11-8-1985. WV A&H; Cumberland Evening Times, MD. “Dead, Missing Listed.” 11-15-1985, p. 15.

[125] “Moorefield, W.VA. – James O. Flinn Jr., 62, died suddenly Tuesday…” (Cumberland Times/News, MD. “Area Deaths, Funeral Notices.” 11-7-1985, p. 14.)  Noted as flood victim in: Daily News-Record, Harrisonburg, VA (Eric Niiler). “Bouncing Back. West Virginians…” 11-9-1985, p. 17. Writing of “This week’s flood” the paper notes “The toll in Grant and Hardy County rose to five dead, 11 presumed dead and approximately 45 missing…Dead are… James O. Flynn Jr., 62, Moorefield…”

[126] VA State Climatology Of., 1986, Roundup of recent conditions: Virginia Climate Advisory, v.9, no.4, p. 20-26.

[127] Bailey, J. F., Patterson, J. L., and Paulhus, J. L. H., 1975, Hurricane Agnes rainfall and floods, June-July 1972: U.S. Geological Survey Professional Paper 924, 403 p.

[128] FEMA. Interagency Flood Hazard Mitigation Report, West Virginia (FEMA-753-DR-WV), 1985.

[129] FEMA. Interagency Flood Hazard Mitigation Report, Virginia (FEMA-755-DR-VA), 1985.

[130] FEMA. Interagency Flood Hazard Mitigation Report, Pennsylvania ( FEMA-754-DR-PA). 1985.