West Virginia Declares Emergency in 55 Counties as 7 Inches of Rain Triggers Catastrophic Flooding
Updated
Updated · Fox Weather · Jul 22
West Virginia Declares Emergency in 55 Counties as 7 Inches of Rain Triggers Catastrophic Flooding
3 articles · Updated · Fox Weather · Jul 22
Summary
310 National Guard personnel, including helicopter units, were deployed after Gov. Patrick Morrisey expanded West Virginia’s emergency response to flooding across all 55 counties.
More than 7 inches of rain fell in parts of north-central West Virginia in about six hours, prompting a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation flash flood emergency and hundreds of calls for help.
At least 85 water rescues were carried out Tuesday, Interstate 79 stayed closed near Weston early Wednesday, and Buckhannon ordered immediate evacuations in some areas.
Sand Run near Buckhannon rose more than 8 feet in under five hours and crested above 10.63 feet, breaking a 1985 record as flooding damaged roads, bridges, utilities and homes.
No deaths or serious injuries were reported, but officials warned dangerous flooding was still ongoing and urged residents to avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation orders.