Flash Floods Kill 5, Leave 3 Missing in West Virginia Emergency

Flash flooding caused by torrential rains in northern West Virginia, particularly in Wheeling, Ohio County, Triadelphia, and Valley Grove, has led to at least five confirmed deaths and several people missing. The flooding resulted from 2.5 to 4 inches of rain falling within about 30 minutes, overwhelming local waterways and infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes, some of which were destroyed or swept away. Emergency responders were delayed due to widespread infrastructure damage and faced numerous 911 rescue calls, conducting multiple swift water rescues and evacuations, including from a partially collapsed apartment building in Fairmont. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared states of emergency in the affected counties and mobilized the National Guard to assist with rescue and recovery efforts. Power outages affected thousands of residents, and officials warned of the event's severity, describing it as unprecedented in the region. Authorities continue to assess damage and search for missing persons while preparing for potential further rain and flooding.