West Virginia Faces Tragedy as Flash Flooding Claims Lives

WHEELING, W.Va. — At least four people have died and several others are missing after heavy rain caused dangerous flash flooding in West Virginia over the weekend.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the fatalities on Facebook Sunday afternoon, confirming that among the victims was a three-year-old child. “There were roughly three to four inches of rain that fell in the area in less than an hour. That’s very, very difficult to deal with,” Morrisey stated, praising first responders working to reach people trapped by the floodwaters.

The flooding began Saturday as 911 calls flooded the emergency line, with individuals reportedly clinging to trees to avoid being swept away.

Lou Vargo, director of the Wheeling-Ohio County Emergency Management Agency, spoke to FOX Weather about the situation. He revealed that rescue efforts are ongoing, with four individuals still unaccounted for. “We’re also working with members to see if they just were displaced,” he said.

Numerous flood alerts were issued by the National Weather Service as rain overwhelmed rivers and streams across the region. Video footage shared by local fire departments depicted mud and debris-laden waters surging through neighborhoods.

Officials are urging residents to stay off the roads to allow emergency services to perform their duties. Vargo mentioned, “We just plead for you to stay away from that area and let the first responders do our jobs.”

As power outages continue to affect thousands, restoration work remains on hold due to reported natural gas leaks that pose safety risks. “Some of those houses could be in an explosive situation,” Vargo explained.

The National Weather Service warns that flash flooding risks persist across West Virginia and neighboring states. Emergency officials are actively monitoring conditions and issuing warnings as more rain is expected through midweek.

As the situation evolves, residents are anxiously awaiting further updates from state officials.