May 28-29, 2023 Flooding

Widespread and persistent showers and thunderstorms brought several inches of rain, causing significant flooding.

rnk skywarn

June 13, 2023

01 / 07

An upper low over the southeastern U.S. combined with onshore moisture from an extratropical cyclone off the Carolina produced several rounds of rainfall. This system had tropical characteristics and dropped several inches of rain over a short period of time.

Widespread rainfall began on Sunday, priming the ground for flooding. Upslope flow into the Blue Ridge and southern Appalachians added to the overall lift and training of showers and embedded thunderstorms.

Anomalously high rainfall rates of 1-2” per hour occurred on Monday, leading to flooding on several main stem rivers and creeks, as well as flash flooding. Rainfall totals were close to 6" in some locations.

Significant flooding in Bluefield, WV as well as western Tazewell and northern Bland Counties resulted in over 1,000 damaged homes in Bluefield alone.

This is a log of flood-related events that were reported across Mercer County, WV. There were numerous high-water rescues for people stranded in cars and homes. In addition, there were several roads that were impassable due to flooding and/or rock and mudslides.

Three flash flood warnings were issued for this historic event where the Falls Mills gauge on the Bluestone River had a record peak stage of 10.96 feet. This crest eclipsed the old record of 8.66 feet set on January 27, 1996.

This picture shows additional flooding of roads and businesses in downtown Bluefield.