A look back at the Flood of 2024 in the Ohio Valley

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — With just days’ worth of warning—the Ohio Valley endured the downpour of a decade.

It started with an alert.

On Sunday, March 31st, the National Weather Service issued an advisory that April would be coming in not just with warmer weather, but several days’ worth of rain in a row.

The precipitation that started falling over the Easter weekend continued into Monday, and Marshall County roads like Big Grave Creek and Woodruff Road started flooding.

But Tuesday is when trouble truly started to arise.

Over a span of a few days, an estimated three to four inches of rain fell, pushing flood prone buildings like Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack to start the long process of moving things out of the basement.

“We are always prepared. It really doesn’t matter if it’s two inches of water or three feet of water. I mean, our preparations are the same.”

Kim Florence, President and General Manager, Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack

As the river approached its peak on Thursday, the Ohio Valley began to see the full force of spring severe weather.

Schools were canceled, roads were closed, and fields and golf courses were underwater.
A Byesville man was tragically found dead in his vehicle submerged under the water.

Some homeowners were trapped as the water levels shut down entire neighborhoods.

The Ohio River finally crested on Thursday evening, but once the waters receded, many residents have still been left with a devastating mess.

But those living on the river knew exactly what kind of a hand to lend.

The House of the Carpenter received a large donation of food and cleaning supplies given out for free on Wheeling Island.

Firefighters pumped out dozens of flooded basements.

And individuals gave what they had to help everyday life return as soon as possible.

“There is a quote from Mr. Rogers that says, “Always find the helpers in the dark times” and that’s what I’ve lived on my whole life. You just always have to find the helpers.”

Genae Klempa, Donated supplies for flood victims

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration put the crest of 41.85 feet as the highest Wheeling has seen since 2005.

It’s also the 23rd highest measurement since 1901.

Finally on April 7th, the Ohio River dropped below all of the flood categories, marking the end of a week of watching and waiting, and the start of a spring season the Ohio Valley will never forget.

The recovery efforts are still well underway, and you can still help your neighbors get back on their feet.

The Wellsburg Kiwanis Club is collecting food, garbage bags and more at Howard Hanna Mortimer Realty in Weirton from now through April 19th.

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