Storm Hits WVU Baseball Game
A sudden thunderstorm rolled over the West Virginia University campus on Saturday afternoon, catching players, fans and staff off guard as the baseball game entered its fifth inning.
Injuries and Hospital Response
Five spectators were hurt in the sudden gusts and falling debris, and emergency responders whisked them to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment. Hospital officials confirmed that all five were stable and expected to make full recoveries.
Stadium Damage and Cleanup
The storm left a swath of destruction across the ballpark, uprooting trees, snapping power lines and tearing sections of the stadium’s roof. The damage forced officials to shut down the venue and set in motion a massive cleanup operation.
Utility Response and Power Restoration
Mon Power and Potomac Edison dispatched crews to restore electricity, reporting that more than 1,000 customers initially lost service. By nightfall, the utilities had restored power to the majority of the affected area, though a few outages persisted.
Weather Outlook and Game Resumption
The National Weather Service had issued a warning earlier in the day, forecasting severe weather that could bring high winds and hail. Meteorologists noted that the storm was part of a larger system moving through the Appalachian region.
Organizers announced that the game would resume on Thursday, giving the field time to dry and the stadium space to be repaired. Ticket holders were informed of the new schedule and offered refunds if they could not attend.