State of emergency declared in 2 West Virginia counties after flash flooding
More rain is forecast Monday, and officials say it will take time for the water to recede
West Virginia governor declares state of emergency for flooded counties
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declares a state of emergency for Kanawha and Fayette counties after flash flooding hit the areas overnight.
West Virginia's governor declared a state of emergency Monday in two counties after nearly a half-foot of rain resulted in flash flooding, prompting water rescues within the state.
Photos shared with FOX Weather showed floodwaters covering roads and a pickup truck in Kanawha County, where a Flood Warning continues until 12:30 p.m.
HOW TO WATCH FOX WEATHER ON TV
First responders were called out to 130 calls for service, including 25 water rescues in Kanawha and Fayette counties. Those are the counties included in the emergency declaration issued by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice, who said more than 20 people had to be rescued from their homes because of rising floodwaters.
Flash flooding led to water rescues across parts of West Virginia
Flash flooding led to water rescues across parts of West Virginia early Monday morning.
Kanawha County Commissioners said in a news release that the area received record rainfall between Sunday night and Monday morning, with up to 6 inches in some areas. In response, the county emergency operations center opened overnight.
Residents with flooding damages are asked to report it to the Kanawha County Planning office, which will help the county seek federal flood aid and disaster assistance.
A Flood Warning continues for Fayette County due to heavy rainfall on Aug. 15, 2022.
(FOX Weather)
Initial estimates by county officials show more than 100 homes suffered water damage in Campbells Creek where at least two bridges washed away.
Between 2.5 and 5 inches fell, causing flash flooding in Fayette County. A Flash Flood Warning was extended for northwest Fayette County until 11 a.m.
Houses surrounded by floodwaters, cars submerged in West Virginia
Intense flash flooding leaves houses surrounded by floodwaters and cars submerged in Smithers, West Virginia. (Video: Melissa Morton via Storyful)
Emergency management officials said numerous roads are closed due to flooding, and it will take several hours for the floodwater to work through local drainage systems in urban areas.
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 1 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 2 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 3 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 4 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 5 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters)]()
Image 6 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. (Image: Steve Winters) ( )
![Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022.]()
Image 7 of 7Flooding caused by heavy rainfall covers roads and vehicles in Kanawha County, West Virginia on Aug. 15, 2022. ( )
First responders in Smithers have been responding to reports of flooding from Smithers Creek as the water approached homes and businesses near Cannelton Hollow Road. A swift water rescue team was deployed.
Flash flooding washes out roads in West Virginia
Flash flooding covered roads in parts of West Virginia on Monday morning after up to 5 inches of rain fell across southeastern parts of the state.
EXPLAINING FLOOD ALERTS ISSUED BY NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
Meanwhile, images showed vehicles in Coal Fork covered in water up to the roofline near Campbells Creek.
Drivers who cannot see the road should turn around and not attempt to travel through floodwaters.
Storm damage reports in West Virginia due to creeks flooding after heavy rainfall.
(FOX Weather)
The FOX Forecast Center estimates between 3 and 5 inches of rain has already fallen outside the Charleston area as of Monday morning.
The Charleston International Airport received 1.69 inches, a new daily record set in one hour between 1 and 2 a.m. The airport has received more than 4 inches since midnight, marking the second-wettest day in August.
Estimated rainfall totals by the FOX Forecast Center show up to 5 inches in some areas outside Charleston, West Virginia.
(FOX Weather)
In central West Virginia, residents reported heavy rain in Rupert, Crawley and Quinwood, including flooding on Route 60.
A Flood Warning was extended for west Greenbrier County until 4:30 p.m. with continued excessive rainfall forecast throughout Monday.
The National Weather Service in Blacksburg reports up to 2.5 inches of rain have fallen and flooding of many creeks, streams and rivers is imminent or already ongoing.