Two dead as flash floods devastate West Virginia

Two people have died in flash flooding that devastated parts of West Virginia this week, state officials confirmed on Wednesday, July 22. The fatalities are the first confirmed from the catastrophic storms that began on Tuesday, July 21, which dumped more than seven inches of rain in some areas, triggered hundreds of rescues, and prompted a statewide emergency declaration.

Governor Patrick Morrisey’s office announced the deaths but did not immediately release the identities of the victims or details on where they were found. The confirmation came a day after officials had reported no serious injuries, underscoring the evolving and dangerous nature of the disaster.

The most severe impacts were concentrated in the north-central part of the state, particularly in Lewis, Randolph, and Upshur counties. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” flash flood emergency for the region as creeks and rivers rose rapidly. Sand Run near Buckhannon crested at a record 10.63 feet, breaking a level set in 1985.

The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure and private property. Roads and bridges were washed out, and a portion of Interstate 79 near...