West Virginia Floods Leave Five Dead, Three Missing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Flash flooding in northern West Virginia killed at least five people and left three missing as emergency crews continue rescue operations. Torrential rains damaged roads, bridges, and utilities, prompting a state of emergency in Ohio and Marion counties.
Flash Flooding in West Virginia Kills Five People: Quick Looks
- Five people confirmed dead in West Virginia flash floods.
- Three others remain missing as search teams continue efforts.
- 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in 30 minutes.
- Roads, bridges, and gas lines severely damaged in Ohio and Marion counties.
- Rescue teams used drones, dogs, and boats to search creeks and debris.
- Wheeling and surrounding areas saw widespread infrastructure failures.
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency.
- National Guard deployed to support rescue and recovery operations.
- More than 2,500 power outages reported across affected areas.
- Flooding followed deadly downpours in Texas earlier last week.
West Virginia Floods Leave Five Dead, Three Missing
Deep Look
Northern West Virginia was overwhelmed by flash flooding over the weekend, killing at least five people and leaving three others missing. The intense and sudden rainfall caused widespread destruction to infrastructure, left thousands without power, and sparked emergency declarations in multiple counties.
Rainfall Turns Deadly
Officials reported that between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain fell within just 30 minutes on Saturday night across Ohio County and the city of Wheeling. The deluge was so rapid and severe that it paralyzed emergency response efforts almost immediately.
“We almost immediately started getting 911 calls for rescue of people being trapped,” said Lou Vargo, emergency management director for Ohio County. “I’ve been doing this for 35 years. I’ve seen major floods here… I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Floodwaters swept away vehicles, ignited fires, and forced some residents to seek refuge in trees as creeks and rivers quickly overflowed their banks. A mobile home caught fire, further complicating the emergency response.
Devastation Across Counties
In addition to Ohio County, Marion County also suffered extensive damage. Torrential rain triggered severe flooding on Sunday afternoon, destroying bridges, roads, and several homes. The county’s 911 call center received at least 165 emergency calls within hours of the storms.
By Sunday evening, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey had declared a state of emergency in both counties. He also confirmed that 2,500 residents were without power and ordered the National Guard to assist in search and rescue operations.
“This is kind of a unicorn event,” Morrisey said during a press briefing. “Roughly 3 to 4 inches of rain fell in less than an hour in a very narrow band. That’s very, very difficult to deal with.”
Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier described frantic rescue operations that stretched into the early hours of Sunday. Search crews fanned out along the Ohio River and Wheeling Creek, scouring the banks, submerged cars, and debris fields.
“We’re using drones, search dogs, and swift water teams,” Blazier explained. “Our goal is to recover anyone still missing.”
The scope of the flooding forced officials to coordinate efforts carefully, with sectors mapped out for systematic searching.
Emotional Toll on the Community
Gov. Morrisey emphasized the emotional burden of the tragedy, noting that first responders and volunteers were working tirelessly to locate survivors and the missing.
“Your friends, your neighbors, your first responders—they’re out there doing everything they can,” Morrisey said. “Our No. 1 task right now is identifying anyone who may still be out there.”
Local officials echoed his sentiments, highlighting the resilience of the community and the urgency of recovery efforts.
Widening Weather Crisis
The West Virginia flooding follows a separate deadly weather event in San Antonio, Texas, where heavy rain on Thursday killed 13 people. More than 7 inches of rain fell in the Texas city, sweeping away vehicles and trapping drivers in rising waters.
These back-to-back extreme weather events underscore the growing concern around climate resilience, infrastructure preparedness, and emergency response coordination.
With recovery just beginning in West Virginia, state and federal agencies are expected to assess long-term damage and assist in rebuilding efforts in the days to come.
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