HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — Shenandoah River floodwaters forced the closure of schools in Page County, Virginia Tuesday and created a dramatic scene at Harpers Ferry in West Virginia, where the muddy river converged with the clearer waters of the Potomac River.
The Shenandoah is expected to crest near Harpers Ferry Wednesday, reaching near moderate flood stage. The river has been swollen by rainfall associated with the remnants of Hurricane Helene.
Bloomery Road near Charlestown, West Virginia was closed due to rising water Tuesday.
Despite the closures, damage is not catastrophic.
Jeff Carter was along the river Tuesday checking on a camper parked at a riverfront campsite. Carter dragged a boat to higher ground, but judged the camper did not need to be moved.
Farther south, in the valleys around Asheville, North Carolina, Maryland rescuers have pulled at least 17 people and two pets out of flood zones. Maryland National guard Helicopters airlifted some of the stranded victims, while delivering much needed supplies to areas completely cut off.
Debris from the Shenandoah flood is likely to wash downstream and may create hazards along the Potomac's shoreline in D.C. and Alexandria in the coming days.