Full Breakdown
Flash Floods Ravage North-Central West Virginia, Prompting Massive Rescue Effort
7/24/2026, 12:37:32 PM
Core Event
On July 21 2026, severe thunderstorms dumped up to 7 inches of rain across northern West Virginia in a few hours. In Upshur County, 4.5 inches fell in 37 minutes, causing Sand Run creek near Buckhannon to crest above 10.6 feet—shattering the previous record of 8.3 feet. The rapid rise inundated homes, businesses, roads and bridges in Lewis, Pleasants and Upshur counties, prompting water rescues, road closures and power outages.
Data & Statistics
- Rainfall: 4.5 inches in 37 minutes (Upshur); up to 7 inches total.
- River crest: Sand Run > 10.6 ft (record).
- Power outages: roughly 7,000 customers affected.
- Rescues: more than 100 people rescued; 500 National Guard members deployed.
- Fatalities: two deaths confirmed.
- Infrastructure impact: portions of I-79, US-48 and secondary roads closed; a sinkhole swallowed a vehicle in Fayetteville.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and ordered National Guard troops and state police helicopters. He said protecting lives and helping communities recover is the top priority and urged residents to use the state-run damage-assessment survey. The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources logged 85 water rescues, while the Division of Highways dispatched over 300 pieces of heavy equipment to clear debris. Utility crews worked to restore power, and shelters opened at Lewis County High School, Buckhannon Church of the Nazarene and Philippi Middle School.
On-the-Ground Reports
Residents described water rising faster than ever. “I’ve never seen the water rise as fast as it did today,” said Jonny Reed of Buckhannon. Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner called the scene “heartbreaking” and pledged community recovery.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Fatalities: CNN and CBS reported two confirmed deaths, while early statements from the governor’s office referenced “unaccounted for” individuals.
- Power outages: outlets cited varying figures, with no unified total.
- Damage assessment: the state’s portal is active, but comprehensive loss estimates are pending.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This is a time for West Virginians to come together to do everything possible, not only to pray for all those who are affected, but we’re going to need a lot of help in the days and weeks ahead,” — Patrick Morrisey
- “Please keep our first responders in your prayers tonight. Across central West Virginia, they are moving through complete darkness with only the lights from their trucks, boats and rescue equipment showing what is directly in front of them. They are driving into flooded areas where roads may be washed away and taking boats into fast-moving water filled with debris and hidden dangers,” — Sen. Ben Queen
- “We are concerned about loss of life,” — Patrick Morrisey
- “This is heartbreaking, this is not something you want to see in your hometown,” — Mayor Robbie Skinner
What’s Next
- The West Virginia Emergency Management Division will continue accepting damage-assessment surveys via its website.
- Outpatient clinics in Weston will be closed on Thursday, July 23, while the Infusion Center remains open.
