Northern West Virginia devastated by flash floods: six dead, several missing

A sudden and severe flash flood struck northern West Virginia on the evening of Saturday, June 14, 2025, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least six people, including a six-year-old child.

Several others remain missing as emergency personnel continue search and recovery operations.

The intensity and speed of the flood overwhelmed regional infrastructure and prompted officials to declare a state of emergency in Ohio County.

Torrential Rainfall Causes Widespread Destruction

Heavy rainfall—measuring between 2.5 to 4 inches (approximately 6 to 10 centimeters)—fell over a brief period of just 30 minutes in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County.

The downpour quickly turned into a destructive flash flood.

Lou Vargo, the Emergency Management Director for Ohio County, said the event was unprecedented in his decades of experience, calling it the most intense flooding he had seen in 35 years.

The floodwaters carried vehicles into rapidly rising creeks, left some residents stranded in trees, and even caused a mobile home to catch fire.

Emergency Crews Scramble to Respond

Wheeling’s Fire Chief, Jim Blazier, confirmed that rescue teams worked through the night into Sunday morning, employing drones, trained search dogs, and swift water rescue units to locate and save those stranded or missing.

Search teams concentrated their efforts between the Ohio state border and Wheeling Creek, examining submerged vehicles and debris.

Despite the scale of destruction, first responders were persistent in their efforts to recover any individuals who may still be unaccounted for.

Infrastructure Heavily Damaged; Thousands Without Power

The extreme flooding caused significant structural damage, impacting roads, bridges, and natural gas lines, thereby impeding the response of emergency crews.

Power outages affected around 4,000 households throughout Ohio County.

Officials explained that natural gas leaks had to be addressed before electrical services could be safely restored, contributing to the delay in recovery operations.

State of Emergency Declared by Governor Morrisey

In response to the unfolding disaster, Governor Patrick Morrisey officially declared a state of emergency for Ohio County.

He mobilized the West Virginia National Guard and instructed other state agencies to provide necessary support to local authorities.

Emphasizing the urgent need to locate the missing and secure the safety of residents, Governor Morrisey warned that more storms could be on the way.

He urged people to avoid attempting to travel through flooded areas and to follow all instructions from emergency personnel.

“This is an extremely challenging moment,” said Governor Morrisey. “Our top priority is saving lives, locating those still missing, and helping communities recover. We are prepared to do everything necessary.”

Community Mobilizes Amidst Crisis

As damage assessments continued, the local community responded swiftly to support those affected.

Temporary shelters and volunteer centers were opened, providing food, water, and temporary accommodations for displaced residents.

However, with the full scale of the destruction still unknown, emergency crews remained stretched thin, dealing with dangerous conditions and unpredictable weather.

A Reminder of Past Tragedies

The current flooding disaster draws comparisons to the catastrophic June 2016 floods, considered among the worst in West Virginia’s history.

During that event, 23 lives were lost, and entire neighborhoods were devastated.

It prompted a major federal disaster declaration and large-scale relief efforts.

The similarities highlight the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather events and underscore the importance of preparedness and resilient infrastructure.

Preparing for What’s Next

Looking ahead, state and local authorities remain alert as additional rainfall is forecast in the coming days.

They continue to prioritize emergency response while preparing for possible further disruptions.

Officials are also urging residents to stay informed via trusted sources and to adhere to public safety alerts.

Rebuilding and recovery are expected to take time, but coordinated efforts between local communities and government agencies are already underway.

The resilience of West Virginians, along with continued support and resources, will be key in overcoming this tragedy and protecting lives in future emergencies.

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