Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, National Guard Deployed
Flash Floods Devastate West Virginia, National Guard Deployed
US · Published Jul 23, 2026
Torrential rains in West Virginia have caused severe flash flooding, inundating homes and businesses, washing out bridges, and prompting numerous water rescues.
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state.

Impact & Risks

The flooding has left some residents unaccounted for, raising concerns about potential fatalities. Communities in Lewis and Upshur counties, with a combined population of about 40,000, have been particularly hard-hit. Floodwaters have disrupted transportation, closed portions of Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 48, and damaged local businesses, including a Walmart in Weston. Emergency responders have faced challenges accessing some areas due to high water levels. The saturated ground from previous storms has exacerbated the flooding, and flood warnings remain in effect for several counties.

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