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.










