Torrential rains have caused flash floods across West Virginia, affecting homes and businesses, washing out bridges, and leading to numerous water rescues. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and sent 500 National Guard members to assist in the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state.
As of Wednesday, over 100 residents have been rescued from floodwaters, with concerns that people might be missing. The situation is critical as search operations continue, although exact numbers of those unaccounted for are not yet confirmed.
Three shelters have been opened, providing temporary refuge. Forecasters report up to 7 inches of rain, with some areas experiencing 4.5 inches in just over half an hour, leaving no place for the water to go. Aerial views show significant flooding in Buckhannon, highlighting the severity of the situation.
“This is a time for West Virginians to come together,” Morrisey said, urging the community to support affected areas in their recovery efforts.
Communications Director Lars Dalseide emphasized that all information will be released following established procedures to ensure accuracy. Rescue operations are ongoing, with helicopters from the National Guard and state police standing by.
Social media footage reveals submerged vehicles and flooded store interiors, including a Walmart in Weston. Rescue missions are hindered in some areas due to impassable roads. Efforts to organize donation drop-offs remain underway, with West Virginia Wesleyan College identified as a potential location.
The region experienced storms stretching from Cincinnati to New York, resulting in damaging winds and tornado reports. In Ohio, winds caused structural damages, including a church roof being ripped off.
Although rain has ceased, flood warnings persist in several counties, with flood watches in neighboring states. Local authorities are grappling with extensive destruction as roads remain closed, and a sinkhole has swallowed a vehicle in Fayetteville.
The current storm echoes a tragic event ten years ago which resulted in 23 fatalities in the same areas. Water gauge data indicates record levels at a creek tributary near Buckhannon, surpassing marks from a catastrophic 1985 flood.