Flash floods devastate northern WV

By Stephen Baldwin, RealWV

On Saturday night, more than four inches of rain fell in half an hour in Ohio County. Triadelphia, Elm Grove, and Valley Grove (all in the vicinity of Wheeling) bore the brunt of the impact. Five people were killed, including a three-year-old. At least four people are also missing.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency in Ohio County on Sunday as a result not only of the heavy rains from Saturday but the expected additional rain on Sunday.

Morrisey visited the area on Sunday, saying in a press conference, “My number one priority, and that of everyone on our team and those in the local community, is to identify the missing individuals.”

For additional details on the impact of flooding, visit the Wheeling Free Press.

Marion County

In addition, Marion County experienced flash flooding on Sunday following another round of storms. Morrisey also declared a State of Emergency there.

Brandon Swiger is the manager of the Fairmont Village Apartments, which experienced a partial collapse on one side of the building Sunday. The back wall was ripped away by flood waters, exposing the apartment units to the elements from the ground floor to the top.

“They lost everything,” said Swiger’s girlfriend, Cassie Glenda. “Right now we are working with Red Cross to get everyone safe for the night.”

Emergency officials made multiple water rescues throughout the day on Sunday. Several thousand residents are without power, and numerous roads and bridges are closed.

Officials are urging folks to stay at home except in cases of emergency as more rain is expected.

How you can help

The Salvation Army in Wheeling and the Fairmont State Falcon Center will serve as shelters for the time being. Monetary donations can be directed to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley (Ohio County) and the Tygart Valley United Way (Marion County).

For inquiries about missing persons in Ohio County, please call the Wheeling Police Department at (304) 234-7019.

The Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling is serving as central dropoff for supplies and food in Ohio County.

Marion County Rescue has asked for items including
• Diapers (all sizes) and adult pull ups
• Baby wipes
• Feminine hygiene products (pads/tampons)
• Toothbrushes & toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Soap & body wash
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Towels & washcloths
–Food & Water
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, crackers, fruit cups, etc.)
• Baby food & formula
• Phone chargers (all types)
• Power banks (portable battery packs)
• Flashlights & batteries
• New socks & underwear (adult and child sizes)

Donations can be placed in the station foyer or under the covered porch at:
Marion County Rescue Squad, 400 Virginia Ave, Fairmont WV.

Casie will be accepting donated items including clothes, food, and hygiene products at 1120 Locust Avenue, Fairmont.

Stay tuned for additional information in the coming days.