SerpApi.Org
WESTON, West Virginia — Several communities in West Virginia are left reeling after catastrophic flooding slammed the area on Tuesday night.
First responders said they have received hundreds of calls for assistance in the wake of a Flash Flood Emergency that impacted Lewis, Randolph and Upshur counties.
The National Weather Service designated the warning as a Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) — a rare designation reserved for the most extreme and life-threatening flash flood events. The Flash Flood Emergency was in effect until 10:30 p.m. ET.
As floodwaters continue to impact communities, officials in Lewis County have declared a local state of emergency after widespread flooding damaged public infrastructure, private property, roads, bridges, culverts, utilities and other critical facilities, according to the Lewis County Commission.
The emergency declaration authorizes the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management to coordinate all available local resources and request additional assistance from the West Virginia Emergency Management Division and, if necessary, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Authorities have conducted multiple water rescues, responded to dozens of flooded homes and impassable roads.
It's unknown if there are any injuries at this time. The situation continues to evolve as crews work to help their communities.
In addition to rescues, a creek near Buckhannon in north-central West Virginia, called Sand Run, surged to record levels.
According to preliminary river data, Sand Run rose more than 8 feet in less than five hours, cresting at over 10.63 feet, crushing the former record.
The rapid rise shattered the previous record of 8.34 feet, which was set in 1985 during one of the region's most significant flood events.
"Please keep our first responders in your prayers tonight. Across central West Virginia, they are moving through complete darkness with only the lights from their trucks, boats and rescue equipment showing what is directly in front of them. They are driving into flooded areas where roads may be washed away and taking boats into fast-moving water filled with debris and hidden dangers," Sen. Ben Queen, who represents the 12th District of West Virginia, said in a statement.
In addition to the flooding, there were also multiple tornado warnings issued in the northwest corner of the state Tuesday night.
Officials urge residents to avoid flooded roadways and heed all evacuation orders and emergency instructions as the flood emergency remains ongoing.
In a statement, Vienna Mayor Chad Emrick said, "As we reflect on today’s devastating storms, our hearts are with the many families across West Virginia who are facing unimaginable loss, damage, and uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and we stand with every community that has suffered loss."
The situation remains dynamic, with additional rainfall threatening to worsen already dangerous conditions.
Original article source: Rare Flash Flood Emergency sparks catastrophic flooding across parts of West Virginia
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