Voluntary Evacuation in Place for Morgan County

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Morgan County Emergency Services have suggested a voluntary evacuation for citizens of the county until Friday, especially those in low lying areas.

Director of Morgan County Emergency Management, Zach Caldwell, says the immediate areas under threat include Great Cacapon, Rockford Road, Powerhouse Road, and Constant Run Road.

He says areas around Polish Mountain with low bridges are especially at risk, like Cacapon River Estates and other subdivisions around Sparky Dawson’s Bridge.

People along Rockford Road are currently isolated on one side of the river, and fire crews will not be able to reach certain areas due to the flooding.

This means it would take a helicopter or similar aviation crews to rescue someone.

Caldwell reminds the citizens of Morgan County to stay safe, saying “If you come across a flooded roadway, don’t even try to cross it.  If you see that water across the road, turn around.  Hypothermia can set in in a matter of minutes, and that’s in addition to the drowning risk.  If the water is moving swiftly, it will knock you off your feet and can even push your vehicle off the roadway into deeper water.”

The Emergency Operations Center for Morgan County may be implemented later if things escalate.