West Virginia is under a statewide State of Emergency as catastrophic flooding inundates parts of the state following severe storms that delivered more than 7 inches of rain in some areas. The National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency, a rare designation indicating life-threatening conditions, for north-central West Virginia.
Hundreds of calls for assistance were received by first responders, particularly in Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties, where the Flash Flood Emergency was in effect. In response, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the deployment of 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas. Interstate 79 remained closed near Weston early Wednesday due to floodwaters.
The City of Buckhannon issued an Immediate Evacuation Order for sections of the city due to rapidly escalating hazardous conditions. Lewis County officials declared a local state of emergency, citing widespread damage to public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, culverts, and utilities. This declaration authorizes the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate resources and seek further assistance if needed.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducted at least 33 water rescues on Tuesday. A creek near Buckhannon, Sand Run, surged to record levels, rising more than 8 feet in less than five hours to crest at over 10.63 feet. This surpassed the previous record of 8.34 feet set in 1985.
Sen. Ben Queen, representing West Virginia's 12th District, acknowledged the challenging conditions faced by first responders, who operated in darkness with only emergency vehicle lights to guide them through flooded areas with washed-out roads, debris, and hidden dangers.
In addition to the flooding, multiple tornado warnings were issued for the northwestern part of the state Tuesday night. Officials are urging residents to avoid flooded roadways and comply with all evacuation orders and emergency instructions.