In West Virginia, record-breaking flash floods occurred on July 21, 2026, following torrential rains that dumped between 3 to 7 inches of rain in various areas over a 12-hour period. The flooding inundated homes and businesses, washed out roads, and caused significant damage across the state. The National Guard was deployed to assist in rescue operations, with over 500 personnel and 19 state police helicopters involved in the efforts. As of July 22, more than 100 individuals had been rescued, including several from a Walmart shopping center. The state's governor, Patrick Morrisey, declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties, expressing concern for unaccounted residents and potential fatalities. Emergency services reported numerous rescues of people trapped in submerged vehicles, and the situation was exacerbated by saturated ground conditions from previous storms. The National Guard's presence is expected to continue until recovery efforts are complete, as officials work to assess the damage and support affected communities. The flooding has drawn comparisons to past disasters in the state, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of West Virginia to severe weather events.
