Record-breaking flash flooding inundated communities across West Virginia Tuesday as powerful thunderstorms unleashed torrential rain from Tennessee to Ohio, leaving roads submerged, thousands without power and tornado damage across the region.
Some of the most serious flooding unfolded in north-central West Virginia, where 3-6 inches of rain fell in about 12 hours. Isolated locations received as much as 7 inches, overwhelming creeks and drainage systems and sending water rushing into homes and businesses.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night because of flash flooding, landslides, road closures and other storm damage. The declaration allows the state to mobilize personnel and resources more quickly to assist affected communities.
Morrisey deployed 100 members of the West Virginia National Guard to the hardest-hit areas, with another 200 expected to arrive Wednesday. Officials reported numerous water rescues, washed-out bridges and roads that remained impassable because of high water and debris. No deaths had been reported as of Wednesday morning.
A flash flood emergency was issued Tuesday evening for central Upshur County, including Buckhannon, with the urgent warning: "Seek higher ground now."
