Today in Wheeling History: March 16--Wheeling experienced heavy rains and dropping temperatures, foreshadowing the impending Great Flood of 1936 that would unfold over the next few days as the Ohio River rose to a record crest of 55.5 feet on March 19, inundating large areas of the city, driving over 20,000 people from their homes, claiming 17 lives, and causing millions of dollars in damage in what would be remembered as the worst disaster in Wheeling's long history (1936).
In March 1936, Wheeling, West Virginia experienced its worst recorded flood. On March 16, the day before the flood reached the city, there were initial signs of the impending disaster. The weather report in the Wheeling News-Register that morning noted "HOURS OF RAIN" with a "pourdown" that had lasted for five hours starting the previous night at 11 PM. The rain had given the streets "a much needed washing."
However, the situation soon began to worsen. By the end of the day on March 16th, over an inch of rain had already fallen and temperatures were dropping. At 9 AM on March 17th, WWVA radio received its first official warning from the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce of high water on the way, with an initial prediction of the river cresting at 42 feet, 6 feet above flood stage, by Thursday morning, March 19th.
But as heavy rains continued to fall and snow melted, crest predictions for Wheeling began changing hourly. By midnight on March 18th, it was clear Wheeling was in for the most disastrous flood in its history. The Ohio River crested at a record 55.5 feet on March 19th, 1936, after heavy snow and rain. The flood inundated large areas of the city, including Wheeling Island, South and Center Wheeling, and downtown streets as far east as Chapline. Over 20,000 people were driven from their homes and 17 lives were lost.
The Suspension Bridge and Steel Bridge were closed, and the Market Auditorium was converted into a refuge shelter and hospital. Utilities and supplies were cut off as flood waters raged from March 17-19. Radio station WWVA broadcast continuously for 92.5 hours straight to keep residents informed and connected, as the flood knocked out most other communication.
The station teamed up with the local Red Cross chapter to broadcast messages between separated family members and to rally donations and volunteers to help with the relief effort. When the waters finally receded, they left behind millions of dollars in damage - houses and buildings destroyed, debris scattered everywhere. Coming on the heels of the flood, a blizzard blanketed the area in snow, adding to the refugees' hardships. It was the worst disaster in Wheeling's long history.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/499wmhxh) (https://tinyurl.com/uh98wtay) (https://tinyurl.com/uh98wtay) (https://tinyurl.com/2xfr5vuu) (https://tinyurl.com/2ah6hebm) (https://tinyurl.com/3w2kdjjw) (https://tinyurl.com/2t9nvyfd) (https://tinyurl.com/2c862ypy)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
In March 1936, Wheeling, West Virginia experienced its worst recorded flood. On March 16, the day before the flood reached the city, there were initial signs of the impending disaster. The weather report in the Wheeling News-Register that morning noted "HOURS OF RAIN" with a "pourdown" that had lasted for five hours starting the previous night at 11 PM. The rain had given the streets "a much needed washing."
However, the situation soon began to worsen. By the end of the day on March 16th, over an inch of rain had already fallen and temperatures were dropping. At 9 AM on March 17th, WWVA radio received its first official warning from the Wheeling Chamber of Commerce of high water on the way, with an initial prediction of the river cresting at 42 feet, 6 feet above flood stage, by Thursday morning, March 19th.
But as heavy rains continued to fall and snow melted, crest predictions for Wheeling began changing hourly. By midnight on March 18th, it was clear Wheeling was in for the most disastrous flood in its history. The Ohio River crested at a record 55.5 feet on March 19th, 1936, after heavy snow and rain. The flood inundated large areas of the city, including Wheeling Island, South and Center Wheeling, and downtown streets as far east as Chapline. Over 20,000 people were driven from their homes and 17 lives were lost.
The Suspension Bridge and Steel Bridge were closed, and the Market Auditorium was converted into a refuge shelter and hospital. Utilities and supplies were cut off as flood waters raged from March 17-19. Radio station WWVA broadcast continuously for 92.5 hours straight to keep residents informed and connected, as the flood knocked out most other communication.
The station teamed up with the local Red Cross chapter to broadcast messages between separated family members and to rally donations and volunteers to help with the relief effort. When the waters finally receded, they left behind millions of dollars in damage - houses and buildings destroyed, debris scattered everywhere. Coming on the heels of the flood, a blizzard blanketed the area in snow, adding to the refugees' hardships. It was the worst disaster in Wheeling's long history.
To learn more: (https://tinyurl.com/499wmhxh) (https://tinyurl.com/uh98wtay) (https://tinyurl.com/uh98wtay) (https://tinyurl.com/2xfr5vuu) (https://tinyurl.com/2ah6hebm) (https://tinyurl.com/3w2kdjjw) (https://tinyurl.com/2t9nvyfd) (https://tinyurl.com/2c862ypy)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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