Torrential downpours swept across West Virginia this week, triggering widespread flash flooding that destroyed homes and businesses across multiple counties. The deluge washed out bridges and forced emergency crews to launch dozens of water rescues throughout affected communities.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency covering all 55 counties on Tuesday night, clearing the way for state and federal disaster response. Recognizing the severity of the situation, Morrisey dispatched 100 National Guard members to the hardest-hit areas in the state's northern region, with another 200 troops scheduled to arrive by late Wednesday morning.
No deaths had been reported as of the latest updates. The flooding was spawned by a larger weather system that produced tornado reports across multiple states, making West Virginia one of several regions battered by the severe conditions.
Author James Rodriguez: "The speed and scale of this response show how seriously state officials are taking the damage, but the real test will be what happens when the cameras leave and recovery begins."
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