State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia Amid Catastrophic Flooding
State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia Amid Catastrophic Flooding
US · Published Jul 22, 2026
Severe flooding has struck West Virginia following powerful storms that delivered over 7 inches (178 mm) of rain in parts of the state, particularly in north-central areas such as Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Flash Flood Emergency, designating it as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS), a rare classification for extreme and life-threatening events. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency across all 55 counties late Tuesday, with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources conducting at least 33 water rescues. Interstate 79 near Weston remains closed due to flooding, and the City of Buckhannon has issued an Immediate Evacuation Order for certain areas. Sand Run Creek in Buckhannon surged to a record 10.63 feet, surpassing its previous high of 8.34 feet set in
First responders have been working tirelessly to assist residents in flooded areas. (Source time: 2026-07-22 14:22:41 GMT)

Impact & Risks

The flooding has caused significant damage to public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, and utilities, particularly in Lewis County, which has declared a local state of emergency. Hundreds of calls for assistance have been reported, and emergency crews are conducting water rescues in hazardous conditions. The rapid rise of Sand Run Creek and other waterways poses ongoing risks to nearby communities. Additionally, tornado warnings were issued in the northwest corner of the state, compounding the dangers. Residents in affected areas face potential displacement, property loss, and hazardous travel conditions.

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