WHEELING – catastrophic flash floods in northern West Virginia have resulted in the deaths of four individuals,including a 3-year-old child,as rescue teams continue to search for several missing persons. Authorities are currently assessing the extensive damage to roads,bridges,natural gas lines,and other critical infrastructure.

According to officials, parts of wheeling and Ohio County experienced between 2.5 to 4 inches of rainfall within a mere half-hour Saturday night. The unexpected surge of water overwhelmed local waterways and infrastructure, submerging vehicles in towns east of the Ohio River, such as Triadelphia and Valley Grove.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed in a Sunday news conference that four residents remain missing, with the potential for additional rain and flooding. The governor stated that he is collaborating closely with FEMA authorities.

Authorities reported that vehicles were swept away into swollen creeks, some individuals sought refuge in trees, and a mobile home ignited.First responders successfully executed 19 swift water rescues, according to Gov. Morrisey.

Lou Vargo, Ohio County’s emergency management director, stated at a news conference Sunday, “We almost immediately started getting 911 calls for rescue of people being trapped. During this time,we had major infrastructure damage to roads,bridges,and highways,where we couldn’t respond to a lot of incidents. So we were delayed in getting there as there was just so much damage.”

Vargo added, “It happened so quickly and so fast. I’ve been doing this for 35 years. I’ve seen major floods here in the city and the county. I’ve never seen anything like this.”

Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier noted that crews conducted rescue operations into the early morning hours of Sunday.He said that first responders regrouped Sunday morning, focusing on an area from the Ohio state line across the Ohio River to Wheeling Creek.

“We’re searching the banks, we’re searching submerged vehicles, any debris we find along the trail and so forth,” Blazier explained. “We’re using drones, search dogs and swift water personnel, and we have teams organized that are searching sectors that we’re trying to recover anybody that’s missing.”

As of Sunday afternoon, approximately 2,500 power outages were reported in the county, according to the governor. Restoration efforts are being hampered by natural gas leaks that must be addressed first.

Flooding Extends to Fairmont

“Please – stay off the roads,” Gov. Morrisey warned residents. “Do not underestimate the strength and speed of these floods.”

In fairmont, located nearly 100 miles from Wheeling, severe flooding prompted multiple water rescues Sunday afternoon, including at an apartment building in Marion county.

A city spokesperson reported that an apartment building had partially collapsed,with the number of affected residents still unclear. Residents were evacuated to Fairmont State University’s campus.

“Please keep this community in your prayers,” Morrisey said in a statement Sunday. “More storms are expected in the region today. Please follow all directives from local and state emergency management officials and do not attempt to drive through flooded roads.”

The West Virginia floods occured after heavy downpours in San Antonio on Thursday, which resulted in 13 fatalities. Over 7 inches of rain fell in the Texas city, causing fast-rising floodwaters to carry over a dozen cars into a creek.