Flash flooding killed five people, including a 3-year-old child, after heavy rain hit northern West Virginia Saturday night.
Between 2.5 and 4 inches of rain fell in 30 minutes in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County. The sudden downpour overwhelmed streams and roads in towns like Triadelphia and Valley Grove, according to WTRF-TV. Photos and videos circulating on social media show vehicles submerged in water and damaged roads.
WHEELING, WEST VIRGINIA FLOODING:
Confirmed fatalities following the devastating floods. @WheelingFD had search and dive operations overnight. Officials will give an update this morning on search and rescue efforts. We will be live streaming on @WTRF7News(📸 from @WheelingFD) pic.twitter.com/kSvEjssFQR
— Michelle Chavez (@MichelleChavTV) June 15, 2025
Here’s a shot of Battle Run Rd in Ohio County, West Virginia, as of about 8:00pm Sunday evening. After Saturday night’s flash flood 5 are confirmed dead with 3 still missing. Officials estimate part of the county got 3-5 inches of rain in a very short period of time.@WTRF7News pic.twitter.com/FcNw4duGgb
— Steven Moore (@StevenMooreNEWS) June 16, 2025
In Fairmont, 100 miles south, flooding caused a building collapse and forced evacuations.
🚨#BREAKING: A flash flood emergency has been issued due to significant flooding which has led to partial building collapses with people trapped
⁰📌#Fairmont | #WestVirginiaAt this time, the National Weather Service has issued a life-threatening Flash Flood Emergency for… pic.twitter.com/pkHryiTdy8
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) June 15, 2025
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Sunday night that three residents remain missing and warned that additional rain and flooding could occur.
“More storms are expected in the region today. Please follow all directives from local and state emergency management officials and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads,” Morrisey said.
As of Sunday afternoon, roughly 2,500 power outages were reported in the county, according to the governor. Officials noted that restoration efforts were delayed due to natural gas leaks that must be repaired before power can be safely restored.
Morrisey has declared a state of emergency in Ohio and Marion County in response to the flash floods. He confirmed that state police, highway crews, and the National Guard are involved in response efforts.
“Please stay off the roads,” Morrisey warned residents. “Do not underestimate the strength and speed of these floods.”
The heavy rains in West Virginia came just days after severe downpours in San Antonio on Thursday left 13 people dead.
