Wheeling, West Virginia — Torrential rains triggered devastating flash floods over the weekend, leading to the deaths of at least six individuals, including a 3-year-old child. Rescue teams continue their search for missing persons as authorities assess extensive damage to vital infrastructure across the region.
Reports indicate that parts of Wheeling and Ohio County received between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain within a half-hour Saturday night, overwhelming local waterways and inundating vehicles in nearby towns such as Triadelphia and Valley Grove. The unexpected storm rapidly escalated into a crisis, causing significant flooding that resulted in multiple rescues across the state.
In Fairmont, situated nearly 100 miles from Wheeling, emergency crews responded to urgent calls for help as rising waters trapped residents in an apartment building that suffered partial collapse. Evacuated residents were temporarily housed at Fairmont State University, while officials worked to determine the full extent of those affected.
On Sunday evening, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced that three additional residents were reported missing in the aftermath of the flooding, raising concerns as more rain was expected in the days ahead. He noted that cooperation with FEMA was underway to coordinate response efforts.
As search and rescue operations continued into Monday morning, the death toll reached six, with emergency responders reporting that vehicles were swept away by swollen creeks and some individuals sought refuge in trees as the floodwaters rose. First responders performed 19 swift water rescues, underscoring the urgency and danger of the situation.
Ohio County Emergency Management Director Lou Vargo described the rapid onset of the flooding as unprecedented in his 35 years of service. He emphasized the challenges faced by rescue teams due to widespread infrastructure damage, which delayed their response times. “It happened so quickly,” Vargo explained at a press briefing.
Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier confirmed that search operations were ongoing. “Our teams are using drones, search dogs, and swift water personnel to thoroughly search areas where individuals may be trapped or missing,” he stated. Efforts are focused along the banks of the Ohio River and submerged vehicles.
By Sunday afternoon, approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in the county, as restoration efforts were complicated by natural gas leaks. The governor urged residents to stay off the roads, warning against underestimating the power of the floods. “Pray for our friends and neighbors during this challenging time,” he implored.
The governor has declared a state of emergency in both Ohio and Marion Counties, activating the National Guard to assist with relief efforts. As the community faces the aftermath of this calamity, Morrisey reiterated the importance of adhering to safety directives from local and state officials.
Further complicating matters, the rains in West Virginia followed heavier downpours in San Antonio, Texas, earlier in the week, which resulted in 13 fatalities due to similar flood conditions. With storms anticipated to continue in West Virginia, officials remain on high alert as they respond to the immense challenges posed by this natural disaster.