CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — Torrential rains caused flash floods that inundated homes and businesses, washed out bridges and led to numerous water rescues in portions of West Virginia, authorities said.Gov. Patrick Morrisey sent 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the northern part of the state, and declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night. An additional 200 National Guard members were expected to arrive by late Wednesday morning.“State and local agencies will remain on the ground for as long as it takes to help affected communities,” Morrisey said in a statement.Forecasters said up to 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain fell in some places. No deaths were immediately reported. The National Weather Service in Charleston warned of life-threatening flooding conditions in some communities Tuesday night, telling people to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!” Bob Pfister said the power remained on at the hotel where he was staying in Weston, even though the first floor was inundated, and most people planned to stay put until Wednesday morning.
“Right now this option is much better than a shelter and a life boat,” Pfister said in a post on Facebook. “If the power goes out that may change a whole lot!”Video and photos posted to social media showed submerged vehicles in parking lots, including at a Walmart in Weston where muddy water surged far into the store.
