Seven now confirmed dead in West Virginia flooding, more rain on the way

A seventh person died as a result of Saturday’s catastrophic flash flooding in the Wheeling, West Virginia area, according to Gov. Patrick’s Morrisey’s office. The body of a 71-year-old woman was found at the Wetzel County dam.

A three-year-old child and her mother were also among those killed in the flooding.

Flash flooding began late Saturday evening in Ohio County, with roughly 3-4 inches of rain falling quickly Saturday. Two people remain missing as of Tuesday morning, according to the governor’s office. 

Ashlie Howard, 38, was cleaning up after cooking dinner for her children Saturday evening when water started rising rapidly in the creek along her property in Triadelphia.

“The creek, I’m going to say, had risen six to eight feet in less than five minutes,” she said. “It was absolutely insane.”

The fast moving water forced Howard’s trailer onto a neighbor’s property, destroying her home along with a shed and vehicle. On Tuesday, she walked through the area where her trailer used to stand. She has recovered very little so far.

“The telephone pole that was next to my house is now underneath my trailer. Everything’s destroyed,” she said. “You can just see bits and pieces of my life, basically, stuck in the mud.”

The flooding hit Marion County on Sunday, where rushing water demolished an apartment complex. No fatalities or injuries were reported. 

“Over the past few days, I’ve watched as West Virginians have come together with an indomitable spirit to support our brothers and sisters in need,” Morrisey said in a statement on Tuesday. The governor has visited Ohio and Marion counties to assess the damage. “Together, we will overcome our challenges and rebuild after these devastating floods.”

Cleanup efforts are underway as volunteers are helping homeowners remove waterlogged walls and flooring and sort through damaged belongings. Several organizations are collecting items, including cleaning supplies, clothing, paper plates and utensils, and more, for those affected by the flooding.

Hundreds of people remain without power in Ohio County, and crews are working to restore service.

Morrisey’s office said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground and working with state officials.

Flood watches continue for much of West Virginia, including the areas already impacted by the weekend storms. Morrisey said there is the possibility of further flash flooding.  

Yes, we’ll have more showers and storms this afternoon and evening. Yes, there’s another Flood Watch out for the area. And yes, we’re over it, too. But seriously, have a plan of action if you live in a flood prone area & remember TURN AROUND DON’T DROWN!!! #WVwx #OHwx #KYwx #VAwx pic.twitter.com/CMRFticY5O

— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) June 17, 2025