2016 West Virginia flood

2016 West Virginia flood

Rainfall accumulations across West Virginia from 8:00 a.m. on June 23 to 8:00 a.m. on June 24 (12:00–12:00 UTC)
Date	June 23–24, 2016
Location	West Virginia and Virginia, United States
Deaths	At least 23
Property damage	Unknown

On June 23, 2016, a flood hit areas of the U.S. state of West Virginia and nearby parts of Virginia, resulting in 23 deaths. The flooding was the result of 8 to 10 inches (200 to 250 mm) of rain falling over a period of 12 hours, resulting in a flood that was among the deadliest in West Virginia history. It is also the deadliest flash flood event in the United States since the 2010 Tennessee floods.

On June 23, 2016, thunderstorms brought torrential rain to much of West Virginia, resulting in accumulations of up to 10 in (250 mm) in 12-24 hours. According to meteorologists at the National Weather Service, this rainfall qualifies as a 1,000 year event for parts of Fayette, Nicholas, and Greenbrier Counties. Rainfall totals included 9.37 in (238 mm) in Maxwelton and 7.53 in (191 mm) in Rainelle. Two-day accumulations in White Sulphur Springs reached 9.17 in (233 mm). In addition to the torrential rain, the storms produced an EF1 tornado near Kenna in Jackson County. The brief tornado lifted and rolled a single-wide trailer, injuring its two occupants; minor damage occurred elsewhere along its path.

The tremendous rainfall produced widespread and destructive flash floods in the state. The Elk River rose to an all-time high of 33.37 ft (10.17 m), surpassing the previous record of 32 ft (9.8 m) set in 1888.Greenbrier County was the hardest-hit, with at least 15 deaths confirmed. Greenbrier County Sheriff Jan Cahill described the county as "complete chaos". Flooding in White Sulphur Springs destroyed many homes and swept some clean off their foundations. One home was videotaped floating down Howard's Creek while engulfed in flames. The town of Rainelle was especially hard hit, and was described as looking like "a war zone".