A town divided: both bridges covered by floodwater in Powhatan Point, Route 7 impassable

POWHATAN POINT, Ohio (WTRF) — A major highway in the Ohio Valley has been left completely impassable as Captina Creek spills over.

No matter which way you’re driving on Route 7, you’ll have to turn around in Powhatan Point as of tonight.

Both bridges are flooded as residents watch trees, plastic and metal debris rush past along the river, and the level slowly inches toward the roads.

The village was one of the first to see the effects as we reached the major flooding stage.

Belmont County sent armored vehicles to help reach residents, and cross the water that has pooled well over the bridge line.

Garage doors have been opened near the river, as homeowners say all they can do is move their possessions to higher ground and bide their time.

“We’ll get word that the water is going to come up a little bit and you just kind of walk out on your porch and you keep an eye on it. Pay attention to the NOAA website all the time, see the river levels and really just sit and wait.”

Wes Dietrich, Powhatan Point native

“I was surprised. I mean, I think it came up this high once, but I don’t remember it.”

Kyler Hunt, 5th grade

“Living on the river, it’s kind of just part of it. So we never want to be in this situation, but Mother Nature usually stays undefeated and does what she wants.”

Mayor Jeff Haught, Powhatan Point

Dietrich says 39 feet is the point he had to get things out of the garage, and at 43 feet, he’ll have to worry about sewers backing up.

Thursday night is when flooding in Powhatan Point will reach its peak.

If you’re headed south on Route 7, take the Moundsville bridge and detour to Route 2 as the river recedes and the Ohio Valley enters the cleanup phase.

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