OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) — At least three people are dead and several are unaccounted for after parts of northern West Virginia saw up to 4 inches of rain fall in less than a half hour Saturday night.
Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing Sunday in Ohio County, located between Ohio and Pennsylvania, following the flash flooding.
Emergency Management Director Lou Vargo confirmed three people are dead and multiple others remain unaccounted for after the sudden deluge of rain overwhelmed waterways and infrastructure, leading to submerged vehicles, impassable roads, and major damage across areas including Wheeling, Triadelphia, and Valley Grove.
“We’ve never seen anything like this in Ohio County,” said Vargo. “Bridges are out, roads are gone, homes destroyed — and our first responders are still actively searching.”
Officials say that the flooding was a highly localized event. Neighboring counties had barely a sprinkle, but for Ohio County, it was devastating.
A state of emergency has been declared at the city, county, and state levels. Governor Patrick Morrisey signed the declaration, unlocking access to National Guard resources and state-level support.
Ongoing search and rescue efforts
Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier said emergency crews worked through the night conducting rescues, many in swift water and dangerous conditions. At one point, crews responded to a person trapped in a tree and a trailer surrounded by floodwaters and on fire.
On Sunday, search teams using drones, dogs, and swift water personnel fanned out along Wheeling Creek from the state line to the Ohio River, checking submerged vehicles and debris fields.
Chief Blazier urged the public to stay away from the affected areas, emphasizing that it remains an active disaster zone. He warned that entering the area not only puts individuals at risk but also hinders ongoing recovery efforts.
Power and utility hazards
More than 4,000 customers remained without power Sunday morning. Officials stressed that restoration may be delayed due to widespread natural gas leaks.
Vargo explained that electricity cannot be restored until it is confirmed safe to do so, noting that some homes have dangerous levels of natural gas. He warned that even a single spark could trigger a deadly explosion.
Community support, resources
The Giving Tree, located behind Triadelphia Middle School in the annex building, is open through lunchtime on Sunday to assist those in need. The site is stocked with clothing in a variety of sizes, as well as bedding, blankets, and feminine hygiene products. Grief counseling is also available upon request.
Organizers encourage anyone seeking more information to reach out via social media. At this time, they are not accepting donations.
Sharon Kesselring with the American Red Cross said cots and blankets were provided to the county Saturday night for emergency shelter. The organization is now actively assessing the damage and preparing for the next phase of recovery support.
An emergency shelter at Elm Grove Elementary remains open. Around 12 people stayed overnight, with efforts underway to relocate them to longer-term housing with the help of the Red Cross.
Cleanup kits from the state are expected to arrive Monday, with distribution coordinated through a command post in Elm Grove.
Those with missing loved ones or who wish to volunteer or donate are asked to call the Emergency Operations Center at 304-234-3756.
Officials warn that more rain — up to an inch and a quarter — is possible in the coming days, increasing the urgency to clear debris-choked waterways and damaged bridges.