Catastrophic Flash Floods in Northern West Virginia Claim Six Lives

Over the weekend of June 14–15, 2025, northern West Virginia experienced catastrophic flash flooding due to torrential rainfall, resulting in at least six fatalities, including a 3-year-old child, and leaving at least two individuals missing. The hardest-hit areas included Wheeling in Ohio County and Fairmont in Marion County, where rapid inundation caused extensive damage to infrastructure and homes.

On Saturday night, Wheeling and other parts of Ohio County received between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain within approximately 30 minutes, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to swift and severe flooding. Vehicles were swept into creeks, homes were inundated, and a mobile home caught fire due to the rising waters. In Marion County, similar conditions on Sunday led to widespread damage and prompted over 165 emergency calls, including water rescues and reports of downed trees and power lines.

Governor Patrick Morrisey declared states of emergency in both Ohio and Marion counties, mobilizing state resources and the National Guard to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Emergency services responded to numerous distress calls, with Marion County alone processing over 165 incidents ranging from water rescues to infrastructure damage. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for the affected areas and cautioned that additional storms could exacerbate the situation.

The floods resulted in at least six fatalities, including a 3-year-old child, and left at least two people missing. Rescue teams, utilizing drones, dogs, and swift water units, continued searching for the missing along Wheeling Creek and surrounding areas. Power outages affected approximately 2,500 residents, complicating recovery efforts.

The deluge caused extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and homes. In Marion County, emergency services responded to over 165 distress calls, ranging from water rescues to reports of downed trees and power lines. The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for the affected areas and cautioned that additional storms could exacerbate the situation.

West Virginia has a history of severe flooding events. Notably, in June 2016, the state experienced a catastrophic flood that resulted in 23 deaths and extensive property damage. The 2016 flood was described as a "once in 1,000 years" event, with over 10 inches of rain falling within 12–18 hours.

Experts have noted that the intensity and frequency of such extreme precipitation events are increasing, a trend attributed to climate change. The National Climate Assessment indicates that heavy downpours have increased nationally over the past three to five decades, especially in the Midwest and Northeast, which includes West Virginia. This trend is expected to continue, with warming temperatures projected to increase extreme precipitation events.

The recent flooding has had profound social and societal impacts. Numerous residents have been displaced due to the destruction of homes and infrastructure. The damage to businesses and infrastructure is likely to have a significant economic toll on the affected communities. The trauma associated with such disasters can lead to long-term mental health issues among survivors.

The flash flooding in northern West Virginia over the weekend of June 14–15, 2025, underscores the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events. The loss of life, extensive property damage, and disruption to communities highlight the need for continued investment in infrastructure resilience, emergency preparedness, and climate change mitigation strategies.