Two People Missing After Overturned Vehicle Located in Upshur County Flood Debris
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Two people are officially unaccounted for in Upshur County after West Virginia State Police located an overturned vehicle believed to be connected to the missing individuals, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Thursday morning.
Morrisey provided the update during a press conference at the Buckhannon Police Department as search operations and flood recovery efforts continued across Central West Virginia.
The vehicle was discovered in an area surrounded by a significant amount of debris. Dangerous conditions have prevented responders from safely reaching or entering it.
State Police, local first responders and members of the West Virginia National Guard are working to gain access to the area.
“We have to do this the right way,” Morrisey said. “Our thoughts are obviously with the families who are going through a very, very difficult time.”
Officials stressed that there are no confirmed fatalities at this time.
Morrisey said additional information will not be released until responders can safely complete the operation, make any necessary formal identifications and notify next of kin.
“We remain concerned, but we want to make sure that we don’t report until we have all the information verified,” Morrisey said.
The discovery has narrowed the search effort to one primary area after extensive operations involving local emergency crews, State Police, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the National Guard.
More than 100 water rescues were conducted following the storm. Boats, drones and helicopters were used to reach residents as floodwaters rose rapidly across Upshur, Lewis and surrounding counties.
More than 500 members of the West Virginia National Guard have now been activated as the response transitions from rescue operations toward debris removal, road repairs, utility restoration and damage assessments.
Guard officials said debris removal is expected to continue for approximately 10 to 14 days. Residents are being asked to place flood debris near the public right of way so crews can move efficiently from one neighborhood to another.
Officials estimate that approximately 1,000 homes and businesses may have sustained some level of damage during the flooding.
The West Virginia Division of Highways has also deployed more than 100 employees and approximately 100 vehicles throughout the affected region. Additional heavy equipment is being brought into communities as crews work to clear roads and restore access.
While major highways and primary routes have reopened, some local roads remain closed because of water, debris or ongoing repair work. Drivers are encouraged to check WV511 before traveling through affected areas.
Power has been restored to thousands of West Virginians since the storm, although approximately 6,300 customers remained without service statewide at the time of Thursday’s briefing.
Shelters remained open at Lewis County High School, Buckhannon Nazarene Church and the Auburn Community Center. Morrisey said approximately 50 people stayed at the Buckhannon shelter during the first night following the flood, while only four remained there Wednesday night.
State and federal officials are also beginning the process of documenting damage that could support a request for federal disaster assistance.
Residents and business owners who experienced flood damage are encouraged to complete the state’s online disaster survey at emd.wv.gov/disaster-survey.
Morrisey said accurate damage reports from individuals and local governments will be critical as the state works with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Our submission to FEMA is only as good as what comes in our way from individual citizens and communities,” Morrisey said.
Volunteers and nonprofit organizations are distributing meals, cleaning supplies, water and cleanup kits throughout the affected counties. Those interested in donating or volunteering are encouraged to coordinate through West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster by calling 304-553-0927.
Officials said the immediate rescue phase has largely passed, but warned that recovery for families, businesses and communities could continue for months or even years.
“This is West Virginia strong,” Morrisey said. “Communities, volunteers, first responders, the Guard, everyone sticks together during difficult times.”
