Severe Flash Flood Emergency Declared in Central Upshur County, West Virginia

Central Upshur County in West Virginia is facing a Flash Flood Emergency due to heavy rainfall, leading to life-threatening flooding conditions. The National Weather Service has warned residents to seek higher ground immediately as significant flooding has already been reported. With rainfall amounts reaching up to 5 inches and more expected, officials are urging caution, especially at night when most flood-related incidents occur. Communities like Buckhannon and Weston are particularly affected, with swift water rescues already underway. Stay informed and safe during this dangerous weather event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 06:02 IST

Flash Flood Emergency in West Virginia

A Flash Flood Emergency has been issued for central Upshur County, including Buckhannon, due to intense rainfall that has caused dangerous flooding conditions across parts of West Virginia on Tuesday evening. The National Weather Service in Charleston has announced that a Flash Flood Warning is active until 10:30 PM EDT for west-central Randolph, central Upshur, and east-central Lewis counties.

As of 7:26 PM EDT, Doppler radar detected thunderstorms generating heavy rainfall in the affected regions. Rainfall amounts between 3 and 5 inches have already been recorded, with an additional 0.5 to 1 inch expected. Reports indicate that flash flooding is currently taking place, with numerous swift water rescues and significant flooding impacting various structures.

A photograph from Weston depicted several vehicles submerged in floodwaters within a Walmart parking lot, as the Flash Flood Emergency continues to affect surrounding areas.

Photo shows several vehicles in floodwaters in Walmart parking lot in Weston, West Virginia; Flash Flood Emergency in effect for surrounding areas. pic.twitter.com/7i2kOMyocy
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Officials have characterized the situation in central Upshur County, particularly around Buckhannon, as "particularly dangerous," urging residents to seek higher ground immediately. The emergency warning highlights that life-threatening flooding is impacting low-water crossings, creeks, streams, urban areas, highways, streets, and underpasses.

Areas likely to face flash flooding include Buckhannon, Tallmansville, Overhill, French Creek, Ellamore, and Horner, with flooding also reported along sections of Route 33. Earlier, a separate Flash Flood Warning was issued until 10 PM EDT for northern Upshur County and northern Lewis County.

At 6:57 PM EDT, radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rainfall, with 1.5 to 2.5 inches already measured and an additional 0.5 to 1 inch possible. Officials cautioned that flash flooding is either ongoing or expected to commence shortly. The warning encompasses Buckhannon, Weston, Stonewall Jackson, Jackson Mill, Jane Lew, Camden, Lorentz, Alum Bridge, and Hodgesville, including parts of Interstate 79 between mile markers 90 and 106, as well as sections of Route 33.

The National Weather Service has advised residents to relocate to higher ground, refrain from driving through flooded areas, and exercise extreme caution during nighttime, as most flood-related fatalities occur in vehicles.