National Guard Mobilizes Amid West Virginia Flooding Crisis
WHO:
AP News - Governor Patrick Morrisey stated that 100 National Guard members were initially sent to the hardest-hit areas, with an additional 200 deployed the following day.
WV MetroNews - Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner reported, “I’ve never seen anything like this, and I’ve lived here for 37 years.”
AP News - Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia.
AP News - Bob Pfister, a resident staying at a hotel in Weston, shared his experience on Facebook.
WV MetroNews - Buckhannon Mayor Robbie Skinner commented on the flooding situation.
WV MetroNews - Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Quinn Queen reported on the extensive devastation in her county.
WHAT:
AP News - The Sand Run stream gauge observed a crest of 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 8.3 feet set during the 1985 floods.
WV MetroNews - An observer reported 7 inches of rain for the day at 7:54 p.m., with 4 inches of that total falling in just 75 minutes.
WV MetroNews - Emergency responders reported that at least one residence had 20 victims trapped inside as floodwaters rose.
AP News - Torrential rains caused flash floods that inundated homes and businesses, washed out bridges, and led to numerous water rescues.
AP News - The National Guard deployed 300 members to assist in the hardest-hit areas.
AP News - The state Division of Natural Resources was involved in 85 rescues.
WV MetroNews - The Sand Run stream near Buckhannon reached a record level of 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 8.3 feet set during the 1985 floods.
WV MetroNews - More than 22,000 customers were reported without power in Central West Virginia.
WHERE:
AP News - Floodwaters forced the closure of portions of Interstate 79, U.S. Route 48, and numerous secondary roads.
WV MetroNews - Major interstate travel was severely compromised, with life-threatening flooding reported on Interstate 79 between mile markers 90 and 106.
AP News - The flooding primarily affected northern West Virginia, including areas like Weston, Buckhannon, and Lewis and Upshur counties.
WV MetroNews - The Sand Run stream is located near Buckhannon, West Virginia.
WV MetroNews - U.S. Route 33 and portions of Interstate 79 were severely impacted by flooding.
WHEN:
AP News - The state of emergency was declared Tuesday night.
WV MetroNews - The flooding event began around 2 p.m. and intensified after 5 p.m. on the same day.
WHY:
WV MetroNews - The flooding was exacerbated by a flash flood that hit around 2 p.m., followed by heavier rain that began a little after five and continued for about three hours.
AP News - The flooding was caused by torrential rains, with reports of up to 7 inches of rain falling in some areas.
WV MetroNews - The flooding was exacerbated by saturated ground conditions from previous storms that had already dumped more than 2 inches of rain.
HOW:
WV MetroNews - Emergency responders reported having to cut people out of their attics during rescue operations.
AP News - Emergency services utilized 19 helicopters for rescue missions or standby.
WV MetroNews - Swift water rescue teams were deployed to assist in Upshur County.
(UPDATED July 23, 2026 02:53 UTC)
In response to severe flooding, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that 100 National Guard members were initially deployed to the hardest-hit areas, with an additional 200 sent the following day. The Sand Run stream gauge recorded a crest of 10.63 feet, breaking the previous record set during the 1985 floods, while emergency responders reported that at least one residence had 20 victims trapped inside as floodwaters rose. Major travel disruptions occurred on Interstate 79, where life-threatening flooding was reported, and emergency teams had to cut people out of their attics during rescue operations.
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(UPDATED July 22, 2026 19:29 UTC)
Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia due to severe flooding caused by torrential rains, which inundated homes and businesses and washed out bridges. The National Guard has deployed 300 members to assist in the hardest-hit areas, while emergency services have conducted numerous rescues, including 85 by the state Division of Natural Resources and the use of 19 helicopters for rescue missions. The Sand Run stream near Buckhannon reached a record level of 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record set during the 1985 floods, leaving over 22,000 customers without power in Central West Virginia.