FAIRMONT, WV – Catastrophic flash flooding across parts of West Virginia has left at least four people dead, including a 3-year-old child, and four others missing, state officials confirmed to Channel2 NOW.

The disaster has prompted a state of emergency declaration for Ohio County and widespread deployment of emergency resources.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey described the flooding as a “unicorn event” during a Sunday briefing, emphasizing the severity and unusual nature of the storm. “Up to four inches of rain fell in extremely localized areas in under an hour. That’s very, very difficult to deal with,” Morrisey said.

The worst of the flooding initially struck late Saturday in the city of Wheeling and the surrounding towns of Triadelphia and Valley Grove.

The torrential rain overwhelmed creeks, culverts, and storm drains, leading to rapid-onset flash floods that inundated homes and roads.

Among the four confirmed fatalities is a young child, aged 3.

Authorities say four additional individuals remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue efforts are continuing around the clock. Emergency personnel have already conducted at least 19 swiftwater rescues in the affected areas.

The Governor’s Office has been in direct communication with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal agencies. Volunteers and non-profit organizations are being mobilized to assist in recovery and relief operations.

Multiple state agencies, including the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the National Guard, and the Department of Highways, have deployed specialized equipment to support search and recovery. Resources include drones, UTVs, boats, and dive teams.

Valley Grove’s municipal water system has been completely disabled due to flood damage, and more than a dozen roads and three bridges in Ohio County have been closed. As of early Sunday afternoon, around 25,000 residents were without electricity across the region.

Elsewhere in the state, new flash flooding struck the city of Fairmont in Marion County on Sunday, where reports confirmed a partial collapse of an apartment building on Locust Avenue.

Emergency crews are assessing the scene, but no casualty figures have been confirmed from that location as of this writing.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood emergency for the Fairmont area, affecting approximately 46,000 residents.

The warning remains in effect until at least 7:15 p.m. and urges residents to seek higher ground and avoid flooded roadways.

“This is a life-threatening situation,” the agency warned. “Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.”

Governor Morrisey urged residents across northern and central West Virginia to remain vigilant, follow emergency instructions, and avoid unnecessary travel in impacted areas. He also thanked first responders, volunteers, and neighboring states for their support.

West Virginians are reminded to report any missing persons or hazardous conditions to emergency services immediately. Recovery efforts are expected to extend into the coming days as the full extent of the damage becomes clearer.