Today in Wheeling History: June 14--A severe storm system described as a "double derecho" struck Wheeling, causing widespread damage, power outages for thousands of residents, and prompting a state of emergency declaration (2022).
On June 14, 2022, a severe storm system packing winds up to 80 mph tore through Wheeling, West Virginia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in Ohio County due to the extensive damage. Wheeling Fire Department Public Information Officer Philip Stahl reported that three firefighters were injured while responding to storm-related incidents, including two who were shocked by downed power lines. Mayor Glenn Elliott described the scene as a "warzone," with numerous trees uprooted and buildings damaged, particularly in the Wheeling Park area where park manager Nat Goudy estimated over 100 trees were impacted. Appalachian Power spokeswoman Joelle Moray said the storm was a rare "double derecho" event, leaving more than 15,000 customers without power. Residents like Vicky Yost and Terry Huffman recounted frightening experiences and expressed gratitude for the community's support during the cleanup process. With high temperatures expected in the following days, cooling shelters were opened to assist those without power.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/hjV6C) (https://shorturl.at/CdEX2) (https://shorturl.at/e7kXD) (https://shorturl.at/oIJ44) (https://shorturl.at/Vicfb)
Photo credits: West Virginia Public Broadcasting, WV Metro News, Wheeling Intelligencer
On June 14, 2022, a severe storm system packing winds up to 80 mph tore through Wheeling, West Virginia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in Ohio County due to the extensive damage. Wheeling Fire Department Public Information Officer Philip Stahl reported that three firefighters were injured while responding to storm-related incidents, including two who were shocked by downed power lines. Mayor Glenn Elliott described the scene as a "warzone," with numerous trees uprooted and buildings damaged, particularly in the Wheeling Park area where park manager Nat Goudy estimated over 100 trees were impacted. Appalachian Power spokeswoman Joelle Moray said the storm was a rare "double derecho" event, leaving more than 15,000 customers without power. Residents like Vicky Yost and Terry Huffman recounted frightening experiences and expressed gratitude for the community's support during the cleanup process. With high temperatures expected in the following days, cooling shelters were opened to assist those without power.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/hjV6C) (https://shorturl.at/CdEX2) (https://shorturl.at/e7kXD) (https://shorturl.at/oIJ44) (https://shorturl.at/Vicfb)
Photo credits: West Virginia Public Broadcasting, WV Metro News, Wheeling Intelligencer
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