At least five people, including a young child, were killed and several remain missing after catastrophic flash flooding swept through northern West Virginia over the weekend, overwhelming roads, homes, and rescue teams.
At a Glance
- Up to 4 inches of rain fell in 30 minutes, triggering flash floods in Ohio and Marion counties
- At least five people confirmed dead, including a 3-year-old, with others still missing
- Nearly 40 water rescues were completed using drones, dogs, and swift-water teams
- A State of Emergency was declared as infrastructure buckled and power lines failed
- Thousands lost electricity and multiple bridges and roads remain closed
Sudden Downpour Triggers Widespread Destruction
Late Saturday, parts of West Virginia were slammed with torrential rainfall—up to 4 inches in just half an hour—causing creeks to swell and infrastructure to collapse. Vehicles were swept away, gas lines ruptured, and one mobile home caught fire after being struck by debris.
As reported by AP News, emergency officials described the flooding in Wheeling and surrounding areas as the worst in recent memory. Wheeling’s emergency chief Lou Vargo said it was unlike anything he had seen in 35 years.
Watch a report: Flash Floods Kill 5 in West Virginia
Search Operations Ongoing
Emergency crews worked overnight and into Sunday using drones, boats, and trained dogs to search for survivors along floodplains and in overturned vehicles. Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier confirmed at least 19 swift-water rescues had been executed, while over 165 emergency calls flooded in from Marion County during the storm.
Despite damaged roads and fallen trees, rescuers remain active across hard-hit areas, with hopes of locating the missing diminishing as water levels recede and conditions worsen.
Climate Pressure and Government Response
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for both counties, activating the National Guard to support operations and warning residents to avoid flooded areas. Over 2,500 homes were left without power, and several bridges are under structural review.
The storm underscores the increasing severity of climate-related weather events in Appalachia, where aging infrastructure often fails under extreme pressure. Officials emphasized the need for community preparedness and federal support to rebuild and reinforce vulnerable zones.
With forecasts warning of more severe weather ahead, West Virginia’s latest tragedy may be a harbinger of future disasters in a rapidly shifting climate.
