State of Emergency declared for West Virginia after historic flooding
Historic flooding in Upshur County and widespread impacts from severe thunderstorms prompted West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey to declare a State of Emergency for all 55 counties on July 21, 2026. The Sand Run stream gauge near Buckhannon rose to record levels, reportedly reaching major flood stage for the first time on record. Meanwhile, torrential rainfall totals of up to 127 mm (5 inches) in less than six hours caused flash flooding, infrastructure damage, and multiple road closures.
Severe flooding in West Virginia on July 21, 2026. Credit: Rachel Palmer
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia on July 21, after severe thunderstorms produced flash flooding, landslides, road closures, and other hazardous conditions across the state.
Flooding began on July 18 after severe thunderstorms produced heavy rainfall across Barbour County, damaging infrastructure and prompting emergency response operations, according to information provided by the Governor’s Office.
Heavy rainfall intensified again on July 21 as powerful thunderstorms developed across the central Appalachians and Ohio Valley. Local reports indicate that up to 127 mm (5 inches) of rain fell over parts of Upshur County in less than six hours during the afternoon.
Flooding reached historic levels in Upshur County. The Sand Run stream gauge near Buckhannon crested above 3.23 m (10.6 feet) on the night of July 21. This broke the previous record of 2.53 m (8.3 feet) set during the devastating 1985 flood. It was also reportedly the first time in approximately 80 years of record-keeping that the gauge reached major flood stage.
The 1985 flooding remains one of the deadliest flood disasters in West Virginia history. In Upshur County, the event claimed 47 lives and destroyed thousands of homes and hundreds of businesses.
“Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight,” Governor Morrisey said. “State and local emergency officials are working to assist those affected, and this declaration ensures we can quickly deploy resources wherever help is needed. I urge every West Virginian to exercise an abundance of caution, stay off flooded roadways, monitor local forecasts, and follow the direction of emergency officials.”
The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated earlier or extended by a subsequent proclamation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued numerous Flash Flood Warnings and Tornado Warnings throughout July 21, as severe thunderstorms moved across West Virginia.
Flash Flood Warnings covered multiple counties, including Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Harrison, Kanawha, Lewis, Pocahontas, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tyler and Upshur, where thunderstorms produced torrential rainfall capable of rapidly flooding streams, roads and other low-lying areas.
Additional Tornado Warnings were issued during the afternoon and evening for portions of Calhoun, Ritchie, Gilmer, Cabell, Wayne, Fayette, Kanawha, Nicholas and Raleigh counties as severe thunderstorms moved east across the state with damaging winds, large hail and torrential rainfall. As of late July 21, no tornadoes had been confirmed.
The final Flash Flood Warning affecting Buckhannon and Abbott expired at 03:30 EDT on July 22.
“As we reflect on today’s devastating storms, our hearts are with the many families across West Virginia who are facing unimaginable loss, damage, and uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we stand with every community that has suffered loss,” Vienna Mayor Chad Emerick said.
Governor Morrisey has also formally requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia following the catastrophic flooding that struck southern West Virginia on June 22-23.
The request made on July 21 seeks federal Individual Assistance for Boone and Logan counties and statewide Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to help communities recover and better prepare for future disasters.
Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, local emergency managers and the U.S. Small Business Administration documented damage to 186 homes across Boone and Logan counties. Officials reported that 12 homes were destroyed and 18 sustained major damage.
References:
1 Governor Morrisey Declares State of Emergency for All 55 Counties Due to Severe Weather – WV.gov – July 21, 2026
2 Historic West Virginia flooding prompts statewide emergency as severe storms sweep East – CNN – July 21, 2026
I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.
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