Devastating flash floods swept through northern and central West Virginia on Sunday, claiming six lives and leaving two individuals missing, as confirmed by Governor Patrick Morrisey. The catastrophic event prompted officials to declare a state of emergency and deploy National Guard troops alongside FEMA teams to Fairmont in Marion County.
The region experienced a deluge of 3-4 inches of rainfall within a brief period, causing small waterways including Middle Wheeling Creek and Little Wheeling Creek in Ohio County to overflow, resulting in extensive flooding throughout the area.
In one of the most striking incidents, surveillance footage captured the moment a tremendous surge of floodwater demolished part of an apartment complex in Fairmont. The building, situated opposite Fairmont State University, primarily housed college students at the time of the incident.
The flooding’s impact has been particularly severe in Marion County, where authorities report approximately 61 residences sustained damage, with over 30 completely destroyed. Similar destruction was witnessed in neighboring communities, with Fairmont and Morgantown experiencing significant flood damage comparable to recent flooding in Wheeling.
Multiple videos shared across social media platforms documented the severity of the disaster, including footage showing flood waters engulfing local businesses and forcing residents to evacuate vehicles from rapidly rising waters. The Dairy Creme Corner, a local
establishment in Fairmont, was completely submerged by the rushing waters.
In response to the crisis, Governor Morrisey emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting affected communities, stating, “When bad things happen in West Virginia, we look out for our brothers and sisters.” The National Guard has been fully activated in both Marion and Ohio counties to assist with emergency response and recovery efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is expected to provide swift assistance to displaced residents under the current administration, drawing contrasts with previous emergency response efforts in Western North Carolina last year under different leadership.
The flooding event has highlighted the vulnerability of communities along West Virginia’s waterways to sudden, intense rainfall. Emergency responders continue to conduct search and rescue operations while assessing the full extent of damage to infrastructure and private property.
Local authorities are coordinating with state and federal agencies to establish temporary housing solutions for displaced residents and begin the process of clearing debris from affected areas. The immediate focus remains on accounting for all residents and ensuring the safety of those in flood-prone zones.
The destruction of the apartment building near Fairmont State University has particularly impacted the student community, forcing many to seek alternative housing arrangements. University officials are working with local emergency management teams to assist affected students.
As recovery efforts continue, the full scope of the disaster’s impact on local infrastructure, businesses, and residential areas is still being evaluated. Emergency management officials are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders if issued, as water levels in some locations remain dangerously high.
The event marks one of the most significant flooding disasters in recent West Virginia history, with damage assessments and recovery operations expected to continue for weeks to come. Local communities have already begun organizing relief efforts to support affected residents, demonstrating the resilient spirit characteristic of West Virginia’s response to natural disasters.