Flash flooding in northern West Virginia caused by torrential rains resulted in the deaths of five individuals, with three others reported missing as rescue crews conducted search operations. On Saturday night, certain areas, including Wheeling and Ohio County, experienced 2.5 to 4 inches of rain in approximately 30 minutes. This sudden deluge prompted an immediate influx of 911 calls for assistance as people became trapped due to severe infrastructure damage that hampered rescue efforts, according to Lou Vargo, Ohio County’s emergency management director.
Emergency response teams faced challenges as vehicles were swept into swollen creeks, and some individuals sought refuge in trees while a mobile home caught fire. Early Sunday, flash flooding also impacted Marion County, leading to further damage and prompting the local Department of Homeland Security to respond to over 165 service calls. By Sunday evening, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for both Marion and Ohio counties, mobilizing the National Guard for support.
Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier reported ongoing rescue operations through early Sunday, utilizing drones and search dogs to locate missing persons and assess damage along waterways. As of Sunday evening, approximately 2,500 power outages were reported, and efforts focused on searching submerged vehicles and debris.
Morrisey emphasized the unprecedented nature of the flooding, noting the concentrated rainfall that created significant challenges for response teams. This catastrophic weather event followed severe flooding in San Antonio, Texas, earlier in the week, which resulted in 13 fatalities. The West Virginia community rallied together, as first responders worked diligently to find and assist those still unaccounted for.
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