West Virginia flash floods: 2 missing, 500 National Guard troops deployed amid torrential rain
West Virginia flash floods. (AP Photo) Statewide emergency, large-scale rescue effort Homes flooded, roads damaged Record rainfall overwhelms communities Power outages remain, more rain possible
West Virginia flash floods. (AP Photo) Statewide emergency, large-scale rescue effort Homes flooded, roads damaged Record rainfall overwhelms communities Power outages remain, more rain possible Torrential rain triggered widespread flash flooding across West Virginia, leaving at least two people missing, inundating homes and businesses, and prompting a statewide emergency declaration as rescue teams raced to reach stranded residents.Governor Patrick Morrisey said authorities were searching for two people reported missing in Upshur County after state police located an overturned vehicle believed to be linked to them. Rescue crews have been unable to safely access the vehicle because of fast-moving water and heavy debris.Morrisey said officials would release further information only after the operation is completed safely and the families of those involved are notified.
"We are concerned about loss of life," he said, adding that the state remains in the search-and-rescue phase.Morrisey declared a state of emergency across all 55 counties as severe weather swept through the state. Around 100 Guard members were initially deployed to the worst-hit areas before another 400 personnel were mobilised to assist flood-response operations.According to the governor, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has carried out dozens of water rescues, while Guard and state police helicopters have been placed on rescue missions or standby.Emergency shelters have also been opened for displaced residents.The governor's office said multiple storm systems brought severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, torrential rainfall, mudslides and rapidly rising water levels across the state.
Lewis, Pleasants and Upshur counties were among the worst affected.Officials said homes and businesses suffered extensive damage, while videos circulating online showed submerged vehicles, flooded neighbourhoods and roads turned into waterways. Transportation crews have been working to clear debris, remove fallen trees and reopen blocked roads.Morrisey described the rainfall as extraordinary, saying around 4.5 inches of rain fell in just 37 minutes in Upshur County."When things like that happen, there's no place for the water to go," he said, explaining the rapid rise in floodwaters.Forecasters said some areas received up to 7 inches of rain, overwhelming drainage systems and triggering flash floods.More than 6,000 customers remained without electricity on Thursday morning as utility crews worked to restore power.While the main line of severe weather has moved through, officials warned that saturated ground and swollen rivers continue to pose risks.
The BriefWire