State mobilizes massive rescue and recovery effort after record flooding
West Virginia mobilized 500 National Guard troops, rescued 85+ residents, and reported no deaths from record flooding.
Event / Disaster
West Virginia Flash Flooding July 2026
Record-breaking flash flooding struck West Virginia on July 21 following severe thunderstorms that dumped up to 7 inches of rain. Buckhannon was particularly hard-hit with 4.5 inches falling in 37 minutes. Governor Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties. The National Guard deployed 500 personnel and 19 helicopters to rescue at least 85 residents. Water levels at Sand Run exceeded the previous record from the 1985 flood that killed 47 people. Three emergency shelters were opened for approximately 100 displaced residents.
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2026-08-15 to 2026-11-12 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 23 Jul, 03:45 UTC
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What happened
More than 85 residents rescued from flooding in West Virginia
National Guard and emergency crews rescued at least 85 people from the floodwaters in West Virginia. More than 100 people were rescued in total, including several from a Walmart shopping center. One 77-year-old resident was found alive and taken to safety. Three emergency shelters were opened to assist approximately 100 displaced residents.
National Guard deploys 500 personnel for rescue and recovery operations
The National Guard deployed approximately 500 personnel and 19 state police helicopters to affected areas in West Virginia. The deployment began Tuesday night with swift-water rescue operations led by Gen. James Seward. The guard remained on the ground for search and rescue, reconnaissance, assessment, and community support operations.
Governor declares state of emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties
Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia on Tuesday night in response to the flash flooding. The governor surveyed damage in Buckhannon on Wednesday and stated that recovery efforts would not happen overnight.
Flooding causes infrastructure damage across West Virginia
The flash flooding washed out bridges, caused road closures on Interstate 79, U.S. Route 48, and numerous secondary roads. Landslides and dangerous conditions were reported throughout the region. A sinkhole caused by the storm swallowed a vehicle at a bar in Fayetteville in southern West Virginia. Submerged vehicles were reported in parking lots, including at a Walmart in Weston.
Record-breaking flash flooding strikes north-central West Virginia
Powerful thunderstorms deluged north-central West Virginia on July 21, dumping 3 to 7 inches of rain over 12 hours. Buckhannon, a city of about 5,000 residents along the Buckhannon River, received more than 7 inches of rain, with 4.5 inches falling within 37 minutes. The Sand Run stream near Buckhannon crested at 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 10.63 feet set in the 1985 flood.
No deaths reported from West Virginia flooding as of Wednesday afternoon
No deaths were immediately reported from the flash flooding in West Virginia as of Wednesday afternoon. This contrasts with the 1985 flooding in the same areas, which killed 47 people and was considered one of the worst natural disasters in state history.
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