Context:

Flash flooding in West Virginia over the weekend resulted in at least five deaths and three people missing, with up to four inches of rain falling in just 30 minutes in Ohio County. The severe weather led to significant damage, including the destruction of homes, roads, and a partial collapse of an apartment building in Marion County. Emergency management, led by Louis Vargo, has never experienced such rapid and dangerous conditions in his 35 years of service. Rescue operations are underway using drones, dogs, and swift water rescue teams, while power outages and natural gas leaks complicate recovery efforts. Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in Ohio and Marion Counties, urging residents to avoid traveling in affected areas.

Dive Deeper:

• The flash flooding that occurred in Ohio County on Saturday night was unprecedented, with 2.5 to four inches of rain falling in just half an hour, leading to dangerous conditions that persisted into Sunday.

• Significant infrastructure damage was reported, including roads being washed away and a partial apartment building collapse in Marion County; power outages were exacerbated by natural gas leaks, posing further risks.

• Emergency management officials, such as Louis Vargo, expressed shock at the severity of the storm, noting it as the most intense event he has witnessed in his 35-year career in the region.

• Rescue operations are actively searching for the missing individuals using advanced technologies like drones and dogs, while also dealing with the loss of a fire station and a rescue truck to the floods.

• Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in the most affected counties and advised residents to stay off the roads to ensure their safety amidst ongoing hazardous conditions.