The United States Army
07/22/2026 | News release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2026 15:54
Guard responds to severe flooding in West Virginia
The West Virginia National Guard Swift Water Rescue Team loads their boat into floodwaters in north central West Virginia, the night of July 21, 2026. The West Virginia National Guard under direction of Governor Patrick Morrisey was activated to provide support to communities impacted by severe flooding across the state. The most significant impacts have been reported in Upshur, Pleasants, and Lewis counties with the Governor declaring a state of emergency across all 55 counties. (Photo Credit: Cpt. James Tate) VIEW ORIGINAL
CHARLESTON, W. Va. - The West Virginia National Guard, under the direction of Gov. Patrick Morrisey, was activated July 21 to provide support to communities impacted by severe flooding across the state. The most significant impacts have been reported in Upshur, Pleasants and Lewis counties, with the governor declaring a state of emergency across all 55 counties.
Guard liaison officers have deployed to county emergency operations centers to support response coordination with local officials. The WVNG swift-water rescue team is activated, and aviation assets have joined West Virginia State Police helicopters, ready to respond.
Approximately 100 Guard members arrived overnight in the Elkins and Weston-Buckhannon areas, with another 400 arriving by midmorning to support ongoing flood response operations.
"The West Virginia National Guard will be working alongside state and local partners for as long as it takes to help affected communities," said WVNG Adjutant General U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Jim Seward. "Our priority is supporting local emergency officials and getting help where it is needed most."
Shelters are open at Buckhannon Church of the Nazarene, Lewis County High School and Philippi Middle School.
Residents who need assistance should follow the guidance of local emergency officials and avoid flooded roads or hazardous areas.
The West Virginia National Guard will continue coordinating with state, county and local agencies as response efforts continue.
Photos of response efforts are available on Flickr.
Related Links
The Official Website of the National Guard | NationalGuard.mil
State Partnership Program | NationalGuard.mil
The National Guard on Facebook | Facebook.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Flickr | Flickr.com/TheNationalGuard
The National Guard on Instagram | Instagram.com/us.nationalguard
The National Guard on X | X.com/USNationalGuard
The National Guard on YouTube | YouTube.com/TheNationalGuard
The United States Army published this content on July 22, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on July 23, 2026 at 21:54 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]