Severe Storms Cause Historic Flooding and Statewide Emergency in West Virginia

Central West Virginia faced catastrophic flooding on Tuesday due to severe thunderstorms, with over 5 inches of rain falling in just six hours. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency, marking a particularly dangerous situation. The Sand Run stream gauge near Buckhannon reached a record high of 10.6 feet, surpassing the previous record set in 1985, a year when severe flooding resulted in 47 fatalities. In response, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency across all 55 counties, mobilizing the West Virginia National Guard to assist with rescue operations. Although the rain has subsided, rivers are expected to continue rising as runoff progresses, affecting many residents and prompting the opening of shelters for those displaced by the flooding.

Key Details: • Over 5 inches of rain fell in parts of Upshur County in six hours. • The Sand Run stream gauge reached 10.6 feet, breaking a 38-year-old record. • A state of emergency was declared for all 55 counties in West Virginia. • The West Virginia National Guard deployed about 300 members to assist in rescue efforts. • A shelter has been opened at Lewis County High School for displaced residents.