2 Dead After Record Flooding Devastates West Virginia
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed Thursday that at least two people died in this week's flash flooding, which sent creeks to record levels and prompted a statewide state of emergency. Two other people remain missing after being swept away in a vehicle.
Governor Confirms Two Deaths as Record Flooding Recovery Continues
Morrisey said Thursday that at least two people died during Tuesday's flash flooding, which hit north-central West Virginia hardest. He also said two people remain missing after being swept away in a vehicle in Upshur County, though officials haven't confirmed whether they're the same individuals.
The flooding struck after 3 to 6 inches of rain fell across the region in about 12 hours, with isolated spots seeing as much as 7 inches. Sand Run near Buckhannon crested at 10.63 feet Tuesday evening, breaking the previous record of 8.3 feet set during the deadly November 1985 floods, a disaster that killed 47 people statewide.
Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night. The West Virginia National Guard deployed 100 members to the hardest-hit areas, with 200 more arriving the following day to assist with water rescues and clearing washed-out roads and bridges. More than 25,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm.
The Same Storm System Brought Tornadoes and Flooding Beyond West Virginia
The storm system that hit West Virginia also produced flash flooding and tornado damage across Ohio, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in Ohio, one in Clermont County and another near Youngstown in Mahoning County.
In middle Tennessee, flash flooding and downed trees knocked out power to thousands of customers, and Nashville Fire Department crews carried out multiple water rescues overnight. A likely tornado was also reported in Owen County, Kentucky.
What's Next
Search and recovery efforts continue in Upshur County as crews work to account for the missing. Floodwaters have receded to minor flood stage along the hardest-hit waterways, but utility crews in both West Virginia and Ohio are still working to restore power to thousands of remaining customers.
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