09/10/2026
In West Virginia, flooding and flash flooding are among the most serious weather hazards we face.
Our mountains, steep hollows, narrow valleys, creeks and rivers make the Mountain State especially vulnerable when heavy rain moves into the area. Thunderstorms, tropical systems, prolonged rainfall, rapid snowmelt, and overwhelmed streams and drainage systems can cause water to rise quickly. Flooding can wash out roads, damage homes and businesses, cause power and communication outages, trigger landslides, and isolate entire communities.
⚠️ WHEN A FLOOD OR FLASH FLOOD WARNING IS ISSUED
Take the warning seriously and be prepared to act immediately.
• Move to higher ground if necessary and follow evacuation instructions from local officials.
• Never walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
• Just 6 inches of moving water can knock a person off their feet, and approximately 1 foot of moving water can carry away a vehicle.
• Never drive around barricades or attempt to cross a flooded roadway.
• Stay away from bridges over fast-moving water.
• Monitor local emergency alerts, NOAA Weather Radio, and trusted weather information.
🚗 WEST VIRGINIA REMINDER: KNOW YOUR ROADS
In our mountainous terrain, water can rise quickly along creeks, low-water crossings, secondary roads, and narrow hollows. A road you have traveled hundreds of times can become dangerous in a matter of minutes.
If you cannot see the roadway beneath the water, you do not know whether the road is still there.
🏠 PREPARE BEFORE THE WATER RISES
Know whether your home, workplace, or normal travel routes are vulnerable to flooding. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings and emergency information.
Make a household emergency plan that includes your family, pets, medications, transportation needs, and evacuation routes. Keep several days of food, drinking water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies available.
Keep important documents protected in a waterproof container and consider maintaining secure digital copies. Move valuables to higher levels when flooding is possible and keep gutters, drains, and drainage areas clear.
Remember that standard homeowners insurance generally does not cover flood damage. Consider whether flood insurance is appropriate for your property before disaster strikes.
🌊 AFTER A FLOOD
Do not return to evacuated areas until authorities say it is safe. Avoid floodwater—it may contain sewage, chemicals, sharp debris, downed electrical lines, or other hazards.
Never touch wet electrical equipment or equipment while standing in water. Wear protective clothing, gloves, and boots during cleanup, and remember that snakes and other wildlife may have entered flooded structures.
Generators and other gasoline-powered equipment should ONLY be operated outdoors and away from doors, windows, and vents.
📢 PREPAREDNESS STARTS BEFORE THE WARNING
West Virginians know how quickly the weather can change and how rapidly our creeks and rivers can rise. Taking a few minutes today to make a plan, prepare supplies, and know how you will receive warnings can make all the difference when an emergency occurs.
Be Ready. Stay Informed. Know Where to Go.
And above all:
🚧 TURN AROUND, DON’T DROWN! 🚧
