Two dead in Upshur County due to catastrophic flooding in West Virginia
Two people have died after catastrophic flash flooding swept across north-central West Virginia authorities confirmed on July 24, 2026. The floods were triggered by torrential thunderstorms that dumped more than 102 mm (4 inches) of rain in under 40 minutes in parts of the state with totals reaching over 178 mm (7 inches) in some areas through July 21.
Flooding in West Virginia on July 24, 2026. Credit: Governor Patrick Morrisey
West Virginia State Police confirmed two fatalities in Upshur County on July 24 due to severe flooding that struck parts of West Virginia this week.
On July 23, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey reported that an overturned vehicle found by police during search-and-recovery operations was “believed to be connected” to two people who were missing.
“Because of dangerous conditions and the significant amount of debris surrounding the vehicle, responders have still been unable to safely access it,” Morrisey said. “Once responders are able to safely complete the operation, and there’s been formal identification as well as notification of next of kin, we will release additional information.”
Later, Lars Dalseide, communications director for the governor, confirmed two fatalities in an email statement. No details were provided on where the bodies were found or how the people died. Their identities were not immediately released.
Whether or not these were the same victims reported by WVSP remained unclear.
The flooding began on July 21 when slow-moving thunderstorms produced exceptionally intense rainfall across Lewis, Upshur, Randolph, and surrounding counties.
Approximately 114 mm (4.5 inches) of rain fell within 37 minutes on July 21, overwhelming streams, drainage systems, and road networks. Localized totals exceeded 178 mm (7 inches), triggering severe flooding that inundated homes, businesses, and transportation corridors.
Earlier, Governor Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties, enabling the rapid deployment of state resources and the West Virginia National Guard.
More than 350 Guard personnel joined approximately 1 700 volunteers in search-and-rescue, debris removal, and recovery operations.
Three shelters were opened in July that housed a total of more than 100 residents, the governor said at a news conference.
The Sand Run stream gauge near Buckhannon reportedly rose to major flood stage for the first time on record. Officials reported more than 100 water rescues during the first day of the disaster, with helicopters, drones, swift-water rescue teams, and local emergency responders assisting residents trapped in flooded homes and vehicles.
References:
1 2 dead after flash floods inundate West Virginia; National Guard deployed – CBS News – July 24, 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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