National Guard deploys as flash floods in West Virginia inundate homes and businesses
Severe flash flooding has hit West Virginia, prompting an emergency response as water inundates homes and businesses across the state. Torrential rainfall washed out bridges and forced emergency crews to perform numerous water rescues in the northern regions. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties on Tuesday night.
State officials have deployed hundreds of National Guard members to assist with ongoing search and rescue operations. Over 100 residents are currently sheltered across three locations as authorities check on the status of missing individuals. While the governor confirmed that officials are concerned about potential fatalities, specific numbers remain unavailable while teams work to verify facts on the ground.
Reports indicate that some areas received 4.5 inches of rain in just 37 minutes, leading to rapid flooding that left little room for water drainage. Emergency services faced significant challenges as rising water levels blocked access to specific sites. Submerged vehicles were spotted in parking lots throughout the region, and water reached deep into commercial properties, including a local retail store.
The current event follows intense storms that moved across the region from the Cincinnati area toward the New York City suburbs. This flooding comes ten years after a major 2016 event that resulted in 23 deaths in similar parts of the state. Local officials are coordinating the collection of donated supplies for affected communities, with West Virginia Wesleyan College serving as one designated drop-off point.
Recovery efforts will continue in the coming days as flood warnings remain in effect for low-lying areas near rivers and creeks. Authorities urge residents to exercise caution as they wait for water levels to recede and allow for a full assessment of the property damage.