10/05/2024
The Great Flood of 1985
And it’s impact on Parsons and Tucker Co.
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The Great Flood of 1985 was one of the most catastrophic natural disasters to hit West Virginia, and its impact was particularly devastating for the town of Parsons in Tucker County. Occurring in early November, the flood was the result of several days of relentless rain from the remnants of Hurricane Juan, compounded by additional precipitation from another storm system moving through the region. The excessive rainfall caused rivers across West Virginia to swell far beyond their banks, resulting in widespread destruction.
Causes of the Flood
The 1985 flood was caused by a combination of meteorological factors:
Hurricane Juan, after making landfall in the Gulf Coast, weakened but then meandered inland, bringing significant rainfall to the Appalachian region.
A second weather system moved into the area from the Midwest, merging with Juan’s remnants and creating a perfect storm for extreme precipitation.
Over a span of three days (November 3-5, 1985), some areas in West Virginia received as much as 12 inches of rain. The steep terrain of Tucker County and the surrounding areas made them especially vulnerable, as water from the mountains rushed into the Cheat River and its tributaries.
Impact on Parsons
As the Cheat River swelled to record levels, it overflowed its banks and flooded much of Parsons. The river crested at over 22 feet in some locations, far above flood stage. The powerful floodwaters surged through the town, destroying homes, businesses, roads, and bridges.
The town’s geography made the flooding even more destructive, as Parsons sits at the confluence of the Black Fork and Shavers Fork rivers, which merge to form the Cheat River. These rivers, swollen with floodwaters from the surrounding mountains, funneled into the town with tremendous force. Nearly 90% of Parsons was inundated, and much of the town’s infrastructure was severely damaged.
Key effects of the flood on Parsons included:
Destruction of Homes: Hundreds of homes were either destroyed or severely damaged, displacing many families. Residents had to evacuate as quickly as possible, and many lost everything.
Businesses and Infrastructure: Numerous businesses were ruined, and the town’s main streets were under several feet of water. Schools, public buildings, and other critical infrastructure were also damaged, putting the town’s recovery at risk.
Bridges and Roads: Floodwaters washed out roads and bridges, cutting off access to and from the town. This made rescue efforts difficult and delayed recovery as damaged infrastructure had to be repaired or replaced before supplies and aid could reach the area.
Regional Impact
The 1985 flood affected much of West Virginia and parts of neighboring states, with Tucker County being one of the hardest-hit areas. In addition to Parsons, other communities in the Cheat River Valley, like Hendricks, St. George, and Rowlesburg, also suffered massive damage. The Cheat River reached record heights, and the flooding was so severe that it significantly altered the landscape in some places.
In total, the flood caused the deaths of 38 people across West Virginia and over $700 million in damages. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and the flood affected more than 47 of the state's 55 counties.
Rescue and Recovery Efforts
In the immediate aftermath of the flood, emergency services worked to rescue stranded residents and provide aid to those affected. The West Virginia National Guard, along with federal agencies like FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), was mobilized to provide assistance. However, due to the destruction of roads and bridges, access to some areas was limited, complicating rescue and relief operations.
The recovery process for Parsons and other communities in Tucker County was long and difficult. Many residents were displaced for months as they waited for homes and businesses to be rebuilt. Federal and state funds helped with recovery efforts, but the damage to the local economy and infrastructure was significant. For some families, the process of rebuilding took years.
Flood Control and Prevention
The Great Flood of 1985 prompted significant changes in how flood control and preparedness were handled in West Virginia. After the flood, there was a greater emphasis on creating systems to prevent such disasters from occurring again. This included improvements in:
Flood Warning Systems: The state invested in better flood monitoring and early warning systems, so residents would have more time to evacuate if a similar event occurred.
Flood Control Infrastructure: Efforts were made to improve flood control measures, such as the construction of levees and the reinforcement of riverbanks to help protect vulnerable towns from future flooding.
Zoning and Building Codes: Stricter regulations were implemented for building in flood-prone areas, ensuring that homes and businesses were constructed in ways that minimized the risk of future flood damage.
Legacy of the 1985 Flood
The Great Flood of 1985 left a lasting mark on the town of Parsons and the surrounding region. Many residents who lived through the disaster still remember the event vividly, and it remains a key part of the town’s history. The community came together to rebuild in the aftermath, demonstrating resilience and solidarity in the face of immense challenges.
Today, the Cheat River and its tributaries are appreciated for their natural beauty and recreational value, but the memory of the 1985 flood serves as a reminder of the power of nature. While flood control measures have been improved, the people of Parsons remain vigilant about the potential for future flooding, particularly in a region known for its rugged terrain and rivers.
The Great Flood of 1985 is considered one of West Virginia’s worst natural disasters, and its impact on towns like Parsons has shaped how the state prepares for and responds to similar events in the future.
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