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Catastrophic Flash Flooding Triggers State of Emergency in West Virginia

Catastrophic Flash Flooding Triggers State of Emergency in West Virginia

Severe storms have caused catastrophic flash flooding across parts of West Virginia, with over 7 inches of rain falling in north-central areas, including Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency, designating it as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), a rare warning for life-threatening events. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties late Tuesday, and 100 National Guard members were deployed to assist. Interstate 79 remains closed near Weston due to flooding, and the City of Buckhannon issued an Immediate Evacuation Order for parts of the city. Sand Run Creek surged to record levels, cresting at 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 8.34 feet set in 1985. First responders have conducted numerous water rescues and are addressing widespread damage to infrastructure and private property.

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, State of Emergency Declared

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, State of Emergency Declared

Torrential rains have caused severe flash flooding across West Virginia, inundating homes, businesses, and infrastructure. Up to 7 inches (18 cm) of rain fell in some areas, leading to washed-out bridges, submerged vehicles, and numerous water rescues. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed 300 National Guard members to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. The National Weather Service issued life-threatening flood warnings, urging residents to seek higher ground. Floodwaters have disrupted transportation, with portions of Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 48 closed. The heavy rains follow an already saturated ground from previous storms, exacerbating the flooding.

Catastrophic Flooding in West Virginia Prompts State of Emergency

Catastrophic Flooding in West Virginia Prompts State of Emergency

West Virginia is grappling with catastrophic flooding after severe storms dumped over 7 inches of rain in parts of the state. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency across all counties, and the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency. The flooding has led to widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and roads, particularly in Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has conducted numerous water rescues, and local officials have issued evacuation orders in affected areas. The situation remains critical, with ongoing rescue operations and road closures.

State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia Amid Catastrophic Flooding

State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia Amid Catastrophic Flooding

Severe flooding has struck West Virginia following powerful storms that delivered over 7 inches (178 mm) of rain in parts of the state, particularly in north-central areas such as Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency, designating it as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), a rare classification for extreme and life-threatening events. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties late Tuesday, with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducting at least 33 water rescues. Interstate 79 near Weston remains closed due to flooding, and the City of Buckhannon has issued an Immediate Evacuation Order for certain areas. Sand Run Creek in Buckhannon surged to a record 10.63 feet, surpassing its previous high of 8.34 feet set in 1985. First responders have been working tirelessly to assist residents in flooded areas. (Source time: 2026-07-22 14:22:41 GMT)

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia; National Guard Deployed

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia; National Guard Deployed

West Virginia experienced severe flash flooding due to torrential rains, with up to 7 inches (18 cm) of rainfall reported in some areas. The flooding inundated homes and businesses, washed out bridges, and led to numerous water rescues. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed 100 National Guard members to assist in the hardest-hit northern regions, with an additional 200 members expected by Wednesday morning. Emergency crews worked tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped in submerged vehicles, though some areas remained inaccessible due to floodwaters. The National Weather Service issued life-threatening flood warnings, urging residents to seek higher ground. The storms also caused damage from possible tornadoes in St. Marys and Belmont, West Virginia, and extended impacts across neighboring states.

Catastrophic flooding prompts Flash Flood Emergency in West Virginia

Catastrophic flooding prompts Flash Flood Emergency in West Virginia

Severe flooding has struck north-central West Virginia following powerful storms that delivered over 7 inches of rain in a short span. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency, designating the situation as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS). Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties, enabling local and state agencies to coordinate resources and request federal assistance if needed. Hundreds of calls for help have been reported, and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducted at least 33 water rescues. Interstate 79 remains closed due to flooding near Weston, and Sand Run Creek surged to record levels, cresting at 10.63 feet.

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, National Guard Deployed

Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, National Guard Deployed

Torrential rains in West Virginia have caused severe flash flooding, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges, and prompting numerous water rescues. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state. Up to 7 inches (18 cm) of rain fell, with some areas receiving 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) in just 37 minutes. Emergency crews have conducted 85 rescues, and three shelters have been opened to house over 100 displaced residents. Floodwaters have submerged vehicles, closed major roads, and caused significant damage to infrastructure, including a sinkhole that swallowed a vehicle in Fayetteville. The storms are part of a larger weather system stretching from Ohio to New York City suburbs.

West Virginia Declares Flood State of Emergency

West Virginia Declares Flood State of Emergency

Powerful storms on Tuesday dumped more than 7 inches of rain across parts of north-central West Virginia, triggering catastrophic flash flooding and prompting a statewide emergency declaration. Early Wednesday, dangerous flooding continued as hundreds of rescue calls poured in, the National Weather Service issued a rare Flash Flood Emergency, and 100 National Guard members were deployed. Roads, including Interstate 79, remained closed, while water rescues, evacuations, and widespread damage were reported across multiple counties.

National Guard Deployed as Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia

National Guard Deployed as Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia

West Virginia is grappling with severe flash flooding after torrential rains dropped up to 7 inches of precipitation in some areas on July 22, 2026. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed 500 National Guard members to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. The hardest-hit areas, including Buckhannon and Weston, experienced washed-out bridges, submerged homes, and extensive damage to infrastructure. Some locations reported receiving 4.5 inches of rain in just 37 minutes, leaving no time for water to drain. Emergency shelters have been set up, housing over 100 displaced residents, while search and rescue operations continue for those unaccounted for. The flooding follows a weekend of heavy rainfall that had already saturated the ground, exacerbating the impact of this latest storm.

West Virginia Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Flooding

West Virginia Governor Declares State of Emergency Amid Severe Flooding

West Virginia is currently in a 'search and rescue' phase following severe storms that brought 5 to 6 inches of rainfall, resulting in flash flooding, landslides, and road closures. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in the state. The hardest-hit areas include Upshur, Lewis, and Pleasants counties. The flooding has left parts of the city of Weston under several feet of water, and communication has been disrupted due to damaged infrastructure. More than 85 water rescues have been reported, and the West Virginia National Guard has been deployed to assist with the response.

Catastrophic Flooding in West Virginia Prompts State of Emergency

Catastrophic Flooding in West Virginia Prompts State of Emergency

Severe flooding has struck West Virginia following powerful storms that delivered over 7 inches of rain in parts of the state, particularly in north-central regions. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency, designating it as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS). Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties late Tuesday. The flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and roads, with hundreds of calls for assistance reported. Emergency responders have conducted at least 33 water rescues, and the National Guard has been deployed to assist in the affected areas. Sand Run Creek in Buckhannon surged to record levels, cresting at 10.63 feet, surpassing its previous record of 8.34 feet set in 1985.

West Virginia Deploys National Guard Amid Severe Flash Flooding

West Virginia Deploys National Guard Amid Severe Flash Flooding

Torrential rains have led to severe flash flooding in West Virginia, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges, and necessitating numerous water rescues. Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency across all 55 counties and deployed 100 National Guard members to the most affected areas, with an additional 200 expected to arrive. The National Weather Service reported up to 7 inches of rain in some locations, prompting life-threatening flood warnings. Emergency crews have been conducting water rescues, although some areas remain inaccessible due to high waters. The flooding has caused significant disruptions, including the closure of major roads and highways.