West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night as torrential rains triggered flash floods across the state. The downpours inundated homes and businesses, washed out bridges, and prompted numerous water rescues.
In response to the severe flooding, Morrisey deployed 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state, with an additional 200 expected by late Wednesday morning. "State and local agencies will remain on the ground for as long as it takes to help affected communities," Morrisey said in a statement.
Forecasters reported that some areas received up to 7 inches of rain. The National Weather Service issued warnings of life-threatening conditions, urging residents to seek higher ground. Social media showed images of submerged vehicles in parking lots, including at a Walmart in Weston where floodwaters entered the store.
Emergency crews reported conducting dozens of rescues of individuals trapped in vehicles. Access to some affected locations was cut off by the rising waters, hindering rescue efforts. Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Quinn Queen described the "extensive" devastation across her county, with first responders working for hours on water rescues.
A sinkhole, caused by the storm, swallowed a vehicle at a bar in Fayetteville. The flooding also forced the closure of sections of Interstate 79, U.S. Route 48, and numerous secondary roads. Residents were urged to stay home due to hazardous travel conditions.
This event occurred a decade after 23 people died in similar heavy rains that flooded the same regions. Data from a U.S. Geological Survey water gauge indicated that Sand Run, a creek tributary near Buckhannon, reached a record level, surpassing the mark set during a November 1985 flood that resulted in 47 statewide fatalities.