Record Floods Trigger Mass Rescues Across Upshur County, WV

Over 3 inches of rain fell Tuesday into Wednesday, pushing rivers and streams to unprecedented heights in central West Virginia. In Upshur County, swift-water rescues are ongoing as water covers roads, closes I-79 and US-33, and overwhelms response networks. The Sand Run stream in Buckhannon cresting at 10.63 feet—well above major flood stage—has marked a historic flood. Power outages affect more than 22,000 customers; emergency lines are down in some areas. Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties; residents are urged to stay off flooded roads and seek higher ground as responders report numerous rescues from homes, attics, and vehicles and widespread infrastructure damage.