UPDATE: According to the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department, “the powdery substance came from a dust storm that originated in the southern plains of the United States and was pushed eastward by high altitude winds”.
Pennsylvania State Police have not issued a statement at this time.
24 February 2023- Since the Norfolk Southern disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, many have continued to worry about how their local communities are affected by possible environmental issues. Social media from McConnellsburg, PA to Berkeley County, WV have been seeing reports of powdery substances similar to ash accumulating on roadways, roofs, vehicles, and more. Berkeley County, WV’s Sheriff’s Office becomes one of the first official sources to address the issue. This is a developing story. Full release from the Sheriff’s Office on demand below.
The Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office is aware of reports of a powdery substance accumulating on homes, vehicles, and the ground in areas of Berkeley County. We are working with our state and federal partners in determining what that substance is. As soon as that information is received, we will pass it along to the public.
***Editor’s Note: Picture above is stock and not indicative of the ash reported in the area.
