A northern West Virginia region, still recovering from the flash flooding that occurred less than two weeks ago, was hit with torrential rains again Thursday night, causing creeks to overflow and flooding streets once more.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Wheeling area, which is located about an hour’s drive southwest of Pittsburgh.
According to the service, up to 2 inches of rain fell in some parts of the area, and more rain was expected later in the night.
Residents shared videos on social media showing streets that quickly turned into rivers, and many reported that homes that had already been affected by the previous round of flooding were now taking on water once again.
A Rapid Change in Conditions
Much of the Eastern U.S. had been experiencing dangerous heat for several days before the storms hit. The West Virginia Emergency Management Division shared a photo of a measuring tape submerged in floodwaters, noting the sudden rise of water: “From ‘dry as a bone to 5 inches’ in 45 minutes this evening in the Elm Grove area.”
The agency also urged residents living in low-lying or flood-prone areas to be prepared to move to higher ground as the storm continued.
The Aftermath of the June 14 Flooding
This latest round of rainfall comes less than two weeks after devastating flash floods hit the region on June 14.
During that storm, which saw as much as 4 inches of rain fall within 40 minutes in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County, nine people tragically lost their lives, including a 3-year-old child.
The intense rainfall caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
At least 75 vehicles were pulled from two area creeks, and dozens of homes and roads were impacted by the rising floodwaters. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Ohio County, which includes Wheeling, following the flood event.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
The flooding from June 14 overwhelmed local waterways and infrastructure, submerging vehicles in small towns along the Ohio River, including Triadelphia and Valley Grove.
Local authorities confirmed the identity of several victims, including Sandra Kay Parsons, 83, from Triadelphia, whose body was found in the Ohio River on Tuesday. Two other victims, Jesse Pearson, 43, and Connie Veronis, 71, were also identified last week.
The tragedy hit especially hard in Triadelphia, a small community with a population of just 660. Seven of the nine victims were from Triadelphia, underscoring the devastating toll the storm took on this tight-knit community.
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A State Already Struggling with Flooding
This flooding comes after a similar event in February, when heavy rains caused flooding in West Virginia, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and millions of dollars in damage.
Even now, months after that storm, McDowell County — one of the poorest counties in the state — is still working to recover from the devastating effects of the flooding.
The latest storms, while causing significant damage once again, also serve as a reminder of the ongoing vulnerability of regions like Northern West Virginia, where communities continue to face the long-term impacts of climate-driven extreme weather events.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Share your thoughts on how communities can better prepare for and respond to the ongoing flooding risks in these areas. Let us know what actions should be taken to improve flood resilience in regions prone to such devastating events.
Stay updated with further developments and resources to help those impacted by this disaster at RidgecrestPact.org.
