West Virginia’s unique mountainous terrain, narrow valleys, and extensive river networks make it one of the most flood-prone states in the U.S. The combination of steep hillsides and fast-moving water creates conditions where flash floods can occur with little warning. In regions such as Kanawha, Mercer, and Greenbrier Counties, the geography amplifies runoff, causing small creeks and rivers to rise rapidly.
This natural vulnerability is exacerbated by human activity, including deforestation, coal mining, and urban development, which reduce the land’s ability to absorb water. As a result, flooding events are becoming more intense and more frequent, placing increased pressure on local infrastructure and emergency response systems.
While seasonal flooding is common in West Virginia, the current level of severity in February is unusual. Historically, the state has experienced flooding due to storms, prolonged rainfall, and rapid snowmelt, but climate change is intensifying these weather patterns.
According to meteorologists, the recent flooding is part of a larger storm system impacting multiple southern states, including Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. The National Weather Service has classified this as a ‘major, potentially historic flash flood event,’ impacting over 128 million people across the region. The current flooding is particularly concerning due to its intensity and timing, aligning with broader climate trends of warmer temperatures leading to heavier precipitation events.
In response to the flooding, Governor Morrisey expanded the State of Emergency to include Boone, Lincoln, and Wayne counties, bringing the total to 13 counties under emergency status. This move allows state agencies to mobilize resources, coordinate relief efforts, and request federal assistance. The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that federal resources are on standby to support the state’s recovery efforts.
Emergency officials have issued multiple flood warnings, particularly in areas where rivers have already exceeded their banks. Kanawha County remains under a flood warning, with the Coal River at Tornado experiencing moderate flooding. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to evacuate or prepare for additional rising waters.
West Virginia has experienced several catastrophic floods over the past decade. Among the most devastating events:
The repeated nature of these disasters underscores the urgent need for long-term flood mitigation strategies to protect both residents and infrastructure.
Despite the increasing frequency and severity of flooding in West Virginia, former Governor Jim Justice has long questioned the scientific consensus on climate change.
Justice, who was reelected by a 33-point margin, stated in a March 2022 speech at the West Virginia Capitol:
“In regard to climate change, I don’t know if it’s for real or not. I really don’t know.”
Justice, a coal magnate, questioned the need for climate action, advocating instead for increased fossil fuel extraction as a response to geopolitical crises such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
However, the data tells a different story. Flood events quadrupled during Justice’s tenure up to his March 2022 speech, with 566 flood events recorded—a 407% increase compared to the prior equivalent period, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. Experts predict these numbers will continue to rise as extreme weather intensifies.
While many West Virginians experience worsening floods, climate skepticism remains prevalent. According to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, only 57% of West Virginians believe global warming is happening, the lowest percentage of any U.S. state. Additionally, 34% believe there is significant disagreement among scientists about the reality of climate change.
This skepticism is reflected in local attitudes. In Minden, West Virginia, resident Darrell “Butter” Thomas has watched flooding worsen in his community but remains doubtful of climate science:
“Being an old man here in West Virginia, I like them 45- and 50-degree winters myself. If that’s climate change, bring it on, as far as I’m concerned.”
However, Thomas and others in Minden have real concerns about industrial contamination exacerbated by flooding. The EPA has proposed $15.5 million in cleanup efforts for PCB-contaminated soil in Minden, fearing that increased flooding could spread hazardous waste to nearby wetlands and residential properties.
West Virginia’s flood risk is expected to increase as climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events. Rising temperatures contribute to more extreme rainfall and unpredictable storm patterns, which can overwhelm drainage systems and cause rapid, destructive flooding.
Environmental experts like Dr. Nicolas Zegre, an associate professor at West Virginia University, emphasize the urgent need to move away from a fossil fuel economy. Zegre has pointed to projects like the Mountain Valley Pipeline as examples of environmental mismanagement that exacerbate erosion, sedimentation, and flooding risks.
The latest flooding event in West Virginia is a stark reminder of the region’s vulnerability to extreme weather. While geography and history make flooding an ongoing challenge, the increasing frequency and severity of these events point to the urgent need for comprehensive flood management strategies. With climate change exacerbating natural risks, West Virginia must take proactive steps to strengthen resilience, improve emergency response systems, and invest in sustainable flood prevention. Only through a combination of policy action, community awareness, and infrastructure improvements can the state mitigate the devastating impacts of future floods.
