The Shenandoah meets the Potomac creating a unique look after Helene

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

The flooding of the Shenandoah River due to Helene was expected to crest and has begun to recede according to the United States Geological Survey.

The flood waters have created a unique look at Harpers Ferry where the Shenandoah converges with the less affected Potomac River.

This convergency has created a distinct line between the two rivers as shown by the Journal newspaper.

The Shenandoah brought in mud and debris from the flood and it hit the less affected claimer waters of the Potomac which created the separation.

The Shenandoah has gone from one extreme to the other over the summer from drought conditions to flood waters.

The Potomac on the other hand was in drought stage early and was less affected by the heavy rains of Helene .

The Shenandoah River has begun to recede but caution is still recommended for any kind of water activity on the river.

A unique video of the phenomenon from Wondering Out Younder is found here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

New Amtrack route passes through region

Amtrak announced the launch of a new daily service, the Floridian, from Chicago to Miami with stops at stations in Martinsburg, Harpers Ferry, Washington D.C., Alexandria, and Fredericksburg.

This train combines two previously separate routes, The Capitol Limited and Silver Star.

The change was necessitated by the upcoming East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project in New York which will force the closure of one tunnel tube at a time during the construction.

The Floridian will take its inaugural trip on Sunday, November 10th and continue through the duration of the East River Tunnel construction, estimated for completion in 2027.

Jim Matthews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, said, “Our members have had a long-standing dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience this service for themselves.”

A passenger taking the full route from Chicago to Miami will travel roughly 50 hours with Coach seating starting at $109.

To learn more about the new Amtrak route, click here. 

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Traffic advisory this morning

The Clarke County Sheriff’s Office is asking motorists to be patient and show respect this morning, April 20th, while a funeral procession for fallen law enforcement officer, Special Agent D. Sean Baer, travels through Clarke County.

Expect delays and backups between 9 and 9:45 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. 340 (N. Buckmarsh St.) and Va. Route 7 (Harry Byrd Hwy.) and
the intersection of Va. 7 and Business 7 (E. Main St. and Audley Farm).

Traffic lights at these intersections will be controlled by Clarke County Sheriff’s deputies. Berryville police officers will assist with traffic control in town.

Special Agent D. Sean Baer, 49, was killed in the line of duty on April 9th.

His funeral procession begins in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., travels south on U.S. 340, and east on Va. 7 to Leesburg.

Please drive carefully.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Rockslide Repair Project on 340 issues update

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

The Rockslide Repair Project along U.S. 340 near Harpers Ferry provided an update over the weekend.

The repairs are estimated at 65% completion and currently on schedule to be finished by December 10th, 2023.

Contracting crews have removed loose rocks and boulders from the mountainside above the roadway since September.

The one mile section of 340 has remained closed for motorist’s safety during the duration of the work by the West Virginia Department of Transportation as boulders the size of cars have fallen during the work, sometimes unexpectedly.

Since September, more than 1,500 cubic yards of rock totaling 2,300 tons have been removed.

Until the work is completed, motorists will need to plan to continue to use the 22 mile, 35 minute long detour.

A link to the project’s website which includes picture updates of the repairs is available here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

National Parks celebrate Public Lands Day

photo credit Scott Bradley Hesson with permission

National Parks across the country are celebrating Public Lands Day with free admission today.

There are plenty of options within driving distance including the Shenandoah National Park, Harpers Ferry, and Fort McHenry National Monument among others.

Not only are the parks open for public use, there will also be volunteer opportunities at most parks such as clean ups, pollinator garden planting, and more.

National Public Lands Day is the country’s largest single-day volunteer event.

To learn more or find volunteer opportunities, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

Jefferson County Animal Control make 2 seizures

An email from Jefferson County West Virginia Animal Control Officers announced that several dogs and cats have been taken into protective custody.

There were two large seizures of animals made in both Harpers Ferry and Charles Town West Virginia.

The animals were reported to be in substandard living conditions.

The owners of the animals were given instructions to improve the animals living conditions and did not comply.

In all 15 cats and 47 dogs have now been moved to the Jefferson County Animal Welfare Society.

The cases remain under review with possible criminal charges pending in the investigation.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.