Governor Patrick Morrisey declares a state of emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties as catastrophic flooding reaches historic levels.

Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties on Tuesday night following catastrophic flash floods that shattered long-standing records. The Sand Run stream near Buckhannon reached an astronomical crest of 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record of 8.3 feet set during the 1985 floods. The administration deployed approximately 300 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas, including Lewis and Upshur counties, to assist with swiftwater rescues and infrastructure repairs. Torrential rains, which dropped up to 7 inches in some locations, submerged vehicles, washed out bridges, and left over 100,000 people without power across the storm-affected region. While no deaths were immediately reported, emergency crews performed dozens of water rescues as residents were pulled from submerged homes and vehicles. The flooding caused significant travel disruptions, forcing the closure of portions of Interstate 79 and U.S. Route 33. Officials have established a shelter at Lewis County High School for displaced residents.

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