BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

WARFIELD — The IGA grocery store in Warfield is facing a total loss after floodwaters surged through its walls rising 5 feet inside the building between Feb. 16 and 17 and leaving behind a trail of destruction.

On Monday, co-owner Judy Ousley stood inside the store, where employees had begun the long process of cleanup.

“The flood destroyed it,” she said.

The recent flooding marks the third time since 1977 that water has entered the store. Previous floods in 2004 and 2021 resulted in only minor damage, but this time the damage is severe.

Ousley and her business partner Brad Pack are working with insurance adjusters to determine the full cost of restoring the store and ensuring it meets all necessary regulations.

“It’s going to be six or eight weeks to reopen—and that depends on the state, the contractors, and everything falling into place,” Ousley said.

Once repairs are complete, the store will undergo a full restock and, in many ways, begin anew.

“It will be like a new store,” she said.

For the many customers who rely on IGA as their neighborhood grocery, Ousley expressed gratitude and asked for understanding during the rebuilding process.

“We thank you for your support,” she said. “Please be patient with us. We’re working the best we can to get reopened as soon as we can.”