West Virginia is grappling with severe flash flooding after torrential rains inundated homes and businesses, washed out vital infrastructure, and necessitated numerous water rescues. In response to the widespread devastation, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency across all 55 counties and deployed 100 members of the National Guard to the most affected northern regions. An additional 200 Guard members were anticipated to arrive by Wednesday morning to bolster relief efforts.
Widespread Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
The heavy rainfall, with some areas reporting up to 7 inches (18 centimeters), overwhelmed drainage systems and caused rivers and creeks to swell rapidly. This led to significant inundation of residential properties and commercial establishments. Critical transportation routes, including portions of Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 48, were rendered impassable due to the flood
