Yesterday, communities across north central West Virginia experienced catastrophic flash flooding after intense storms dumped several inches of rain in just a few hours. Lewis and Upshur counties were among the hardest hit, with significant flooding reported in Weston, Buckhannon, Jane Lew, and surrounding communities. As of Wednesday afternoon, flood water in Upshur County is still rising as power outages continue to impact thousands of households throughout central West Virginia. 

Emergency responders are working around the clock and conducted numerous water rescues throughout the night as homes, businesses, roads, and critical infrastructure were inundated. In Buckhannon, Sand Run reached an unprecedented crest of 10.63 feet, surpassing the previous record set during the devastating 1985 floods. 

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this disaster and with the first responders, volunteers, and community members working tirelessly to keep people safe. Below are some resources and ways to help.

Please note that at the time of posting (July 22, 2026 at 2pm), officials are asking volunteers not to self-deploy and to wait for direction as the water recedes. We also encourage you to follow regional Family Resource Networks, and local mutual aid groups like Appalachian Mutual Aid Collective (Buckhannon) and Lewis County Mutual Aid for community updates and needs.

Lewis County

A shelter is currently open at Lewis County High School for anyone displaced by flooding. 

To report a missing or unaccounted-for person, contact the West Virginia State Police at 304-637-0200. 

Residents are urged to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. Multiple road closures remain in effect to support rescue and recovery operations. You can check WV511 for updated information: https://wv511.org

Upshur County

A temporary emergency shelter has been issued at Church of the Nazarene 192 Zicks Run Buckhannon, WV 26201, and you can check for updates from the City of Buckhannon’s Facebook page for any changes.

Recovery efforts continue across Upshur County as floodwaters continue to rise. Residents needing emergency assistance can call 304-613-2619, which was established after local 911 services experienced disruptions.

Documenting Damage

Officials are urging residents to take photographs and videos of all flood damage before beginning cleanup efforts. This documentation may be essential should FEMA assistance become available after damage assessments are completed. Officials also warn residents to use caution when hiring contractors or cleanup services and to be aware of potential scams. 

Stay Safe During Cleanup

Before beginning cleanup, make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date — health officials recommend a tetanus shot within the last five years when working around floodwaters. The Lewis and Braxton County Health Departments are currently providing tetanus vaccinations at the Lewis County High School.

Flooding doesn’t just damage homes and roads — it also impacts water quality. Heavy rains and floodwaters can overwhelm wastewater systems, mobilize pollutants, and carry contaminants into local streams and rivers. As such, floodwaters can contain sewage, chemicals, and other contaminants that pose serious health risks long after the water recedes. As cleanup begins, remember to: 

• Wear gloves, boots, and protective clothing. 
• Avoid contact with standing water whenever possible. 
• Discard food or medications exposed to floodwater. 
• Be cautious around damaged electrical systems. 
• Watch for mold growth inside flooded buildings. 
• Follow public health guidance from local health departments and emergency management officials. 

If you witness a pollution incident during recovery efforts, please report it through the WV Stream Watch App to help document and respond to potential threats to public health and clean water.

Additionally, the Lewis County Health Department plans to offer free private well water testing once floodwaters recede, with more information to come.

Donate Essential Supplies

Please follow guidance from local emergency management officials and community organizations regarding when and where donations are needed. At this time, officials are asking the public not to self-deploy to affected areas and not to send unsolicited physical donations until distribution systems are fully established. 

Several local organizations, including Lewis County Mutual Aid is helping coordinate volunteers and supplies for those sheltering at Lewis County High School, are collecting supplies for families impacted by flooding. Current needs include: 

• Bottled water 
• Non-perishable food 
• Hygiene items 
• Flashlights 
• Batteries 
• Toiletries 
• Baby supplies 
• Pet food 
• Other emergency essentials 
• Financial donations can be made at the links below

The West Virginia United Ways have established the Lewis/Upshur Flood Relief Fund to provide direct assistance to individuals and families impacted by the flooding and the Appalachian Mutual Aid Collective has a fundraiser here. Every donation will help meet immediate needs while supporting long-term recovery efforts.  

Please do not donate clothing unless specifically requested. Clothing donations often overwhelm response efforts and can create additional burdens for volunteers. 

Those interested in volunteering at the shelter can contact Lewis County Mutual Aid through their social media channels or by texting Brittney Barlett at 419-306-5488. 

Recovery Matters. So Does Resilience. 

As communities begin the difficult work of recovery, we must also acknowledge a hard truth: West Virginians are experiencing severe flooding with alarming frequency. 

While immediate relief is critical, we also need long-term investments that help communities prepare for future floods, strengthen infrastructure, improve emergency response capacity, and reduce risk before disaster strikes. 

West Virginians have always shown up for one another in times of crisis. Whether you donate, volunteer, share resources, or simply check on a neighbor, your actions make a difference. 

Today, our focus is on helping affected families recover. In the weeks and months ahead, we must also continue working toward a future where our communities are better protected from the growing threat of severe flooding. 

Thank you for showing up for today’s recovery and tomorrow’s resilience. 

With care,
Your friends at WV Rivers Coalition