Overview
- Slow-moving storms on Tuesday, July 21, produced exceptionally intense rainfall that dumped multiple inches in under an hour and triggered rapid flash flooding across Lewis, Upshur and surrounding counties.
- West Virginia State Police and the governor’s office confirmed two flood-related deaths in Upshur County during search-and-recovery operations that followed the July 21 flooding.
- Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a 30-day state of emergency for all 55 counties and deployed roughly 350 National Guard personnel with dozens of vehicles to support rescue, cleanup and logistics.
- Recovery crews have removed tens to hundreds of tons of debris—including about 84 tons in Upshur County and 192 tons in Lewis County—and have recorded preliminary damage to roughly 151 homes in Upshur County while repairing roads and inspecting bridges.
- Officials continue monitoring high runoff and stressed waterways after the Sand Run gauge near Buckhannon rose to major flood stage for the first time on record, and agencies say ongoing damage assessments and sheltering will guide where more aid is sent next.