Full Breakdown
Historic Flooding Ravages Central West Virginia
7/23/2026, 6:00:54 AM
Core Event: Record Flooding in Upshur County
On July 21, 2026, torrential thunderstorms dumped more than 5 inches (127 mm) of rain on Upshur County in six hours, causing the Sand Run stream near Buckhannon to crest at 10.63 feet (3.23 m). The crest surpassed the “Major” flood stage of 10 feet and broke the previous record of 8.3 feet set in 1985. The surge inundated U.S. Route 33, Interstate 79, and low-lying neighborhoods, prompting dozens of water rescues and the closure of bridges and highways.
Background & Context
The storm system moved across the Ohio Valley before striking central West Virginia. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties on July 21, enabling statewide coordination of resources.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: 3–5 inches recorded across Weston, Stonewall Jackson, Jane Lew and Hodgesville; an observer near Buckhannon logged 7 inches total, with 4 inches in 75 minutes.
- Stream crest: 10.63 feet (3.23 m) at Sand Run, exceeding the prior 8.3-foot record.
- Power outages: over 22,000 customers without electricity in central West Virginia and about 110,000 statewide.
- Rescues: at least 33 water rescues reported by the Division of Natural Resources.
- Infrastructure: Interstate 79 between mile markers 90-106, U.S. Route 33 and multiple bridges were washed out or closed.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Morrisey ordered the deployment of 100 National Guard members, with an additional 200 expected, to assist the hardest-hit areas.
Mayor Robbie Skinner described the event as a “significant flash-flood event” and urged residents to seek higher ground.
Senator Ben Queen asked the public to keep first responders in their prayers as crews operated in darkness with limited visibility.
The National Weather Service in Charleston issued a Flash Flood Emergency for northern Upshur and Lewis counties, extending the warning until 1:00 a.m. EDT on July 22 and later lifting it after water levels receded.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents reported storm drains overflowing on Meadow Street and a vehicle submerged at a Huddle House restaurant. In Weston, the shopping district along Route 33, including a Walmart, was fully flooded, and a sinkhole swallowed a vehicle at a bar in Fayetteville.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Stream crest height: Some outlets listed 10.63 feet, others “over 10.6 feet.” Both derive from the same gauge.
- Previous record: Sources cite 8.3 feet or 8.34 feet.
- Rescue counts: The Division of Natural Resources reported 33 rescues; local news described “dozens.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight,” — Gov. Patrick Morrisey
- “I’ve never seen anything like this, and I’ve lived here for 37 years,” — Mayor Robbie Skinner
What’s Next
Governor Morrisey has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the White House to secure federal assistance for Boone and Logan counties and to obtain Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding for statewide recovery. The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless lifted earlier. Emergency officials continue to advise residents to avoid flooded roadways, monitor local forecasts, and follow directions from authorities as cleanup and recovery proceed.
