Flood Recovery Continues in Upshur & Lewis Counties After Flash Flooding Claims Two Lives

BUCKHANNON — Recovery efforts continue across Upshur and Lewis counties this week after historic flash flooding triggered by more than 6 inches of rain in just a few hours devastated communities, damaged homes and infrastructure, and claimed two lives.

Emergency officials said the hardest-hit areas in central Upshur and eastern Lewis counties received more than 6 inches of rainfall, with well over half of that falling in about an hour. The heavy rain quickly overwhelmed streams and drainage systems.

The Buckhannon area experienced record-breaking flood levels as the Sand Run stream gauge crested above 10.6 feet, surpassing the previous record of 8.3 feet set during the deadly 1985 flood.

West Virginia State Police identified the flood victims as Judy A. Young, 59, and James J. Harper, 61, both of Upshur County. Troopers said the pair were found inside a vehicle recovered from the Stonecoal Lake area after preliminary investigators determined the vehicle had been swept from the roadway by rapidly rising floodwaters. The investigation remains ongoing.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties following the storms, allowing state agencies to coordinate emergency resources.

Rescue operations have transitioned into recovery as local, state and federal agencies continue restoring damaged communities. More than 200 members of the West Virginia National Guard have been deployed to assist with debris removal, infrastructure repairs, engineering support and other recovery efforts.

Flood restoration contractors and cleanup crews have also begun work in the affected areas, helping homeowners and businesses remove debris, dry damaged structures and begin rebuilding after the floodwaters receded.

According to the governor’s office, approximately 85 water rescues were completed during the height of the emergency. More than 3,100 West Virginia Division of Highways employees and hundreds of pieces of heavy equipment have been deployed to reopen roads, clear debris and restore access to isolated communities. Utility crews also continue restoring power to affected residents.

Lewis County officials said recovery operations remain active as National Guard personnel continue debris removal throughout the county. Residents have been instructed to place flood debris at the curb for collection, while flood-damaged vehicles have been relocated to designated debris sites for insurance assessment. Officials also warned residents with private wells affected by floodwaters not to use their water until it has been tested and declared safe.

Emergency management officials continue encouraging residents to document flood damage through the West Virginia Emergency Management Division’s damage assessment survey, which will help determine the overall impact of the disaster and potential eligibility for future assistance.

While floodwaters have receded, recovery officials caution that cleanup is expected to take weeks as communities in Upshur and Lewis counties work to rebuild following one of the region’s most destructive flooding events in decades.