Photo by Eric Ayres Massive debris including metal storage containers and vehicles remained wedged underneath Shilling Bridge in Elm Grove Sunday. The bridge has been closed until officials assess its structural integrity.

WHEELING — As of Sunday evening, state and local officials reported five people confirmed dead as a result of powerful rains and flooding on Saturday with at least four others believed missing.

Flood waters came quickly Saturday night, stranding some cars and sending others careening down creeks. They pulled homes from their foundations and destroyed them. Massive pieces of debris — cars, large metal storage containers, refrigerators and more – crashed into bridges, forcing their closure until their structural integrity can be assessed. Those waters engulfed roads in Woodsdale, Triadelphia and Valley Grove, stranding some and forcing rescues from roofs and trees.

Both the city of Wheeling and Ohio County have declared the region in a state of emergency. 

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey followed by declaring the area in a state of emergency in the city of Wheeling, and the towns of Triadelphia and Valley Grove. He was briefed by county and city officials Sunday afternoon at the City-County Building.

The emergency declaration makes it possible for state resources, such as the West Virginia National Guard, to be used for flood-related assistance.

“In a way, this was a very uniform event,” Morrisey said. “There was roughly three to four inches of water that fell on the area in less than an hour. That is very, very hard to deal with.”

The speed and volume of that rain led to the torrential flooding. Emergency workers scrambled throughout Saturday night and into Sunday morning to turn motorists away from danger areas and conduct rescues in the dark. 

Morrisey commended those on the ground who worked to assist those in need.

“It makes a difference. We all have to come together as family during these times,” Morrisey continued.

As of 7 p.m. Sunday evening, 1,745 residents in Ohio County remained without power.

County Emergency Management Agency Director Lou Vargo and Wheeling Fire Chief Jim Blazier noted earlier in the day that it was difficult to know when the electrical lines might be repaired, as the power lines are close to gas lines that have also been disturbed and need repaired. Reestablishing power in these locations could cause an explosion, they explained.

Some major roadways remained restricted in the area. Officials are requesting that people avoid these areas if possible so search and rescue efforts can continue, and clean-up efforts are not impacted. Those who do need to drive there must go slowly and watch for workers:

∫ U.S. 40/National Road (Triadelphia to Valley Grove – Ohio County)

∫ W.Va. 88/Bethany Pike (At Hamilton Ave) (City of Wheeling)

∫ Warden Run Road (City of Wheeling)

∫ Lumber Ave (City of Wheeling)

∫ GC&P Road (Wheeling & Ohio County)

∫ Middle Creek Road (Ohio County)

∫ Dixon Run Road (Ohio County)

∫ McGraw’s Run Road-Atkinson Crossing (Ohio County)

∫ Battle Run Road (Ohio County)

∫ Point Run Road (Ohio County)

∫ Peters Run Road (Ohio County)

Vargo and Blazier told the public to avoid these roads.

Both the Shilling Bridge and Junior Avenue Bridge remained closed to traffic.

“We’re pleading to everyone to just stay away. It’s an active disaster area,” Vargo said.

Sight-seers could impede both first responders and utility workers in the area, he added.

The Salvation Army was planning to open an overnight emergency shelter at 140 16th Street in Wheeling on Sunday night.

All affected by the flooding are encouraged to get tetanus shots if they have not done so in the last 10 years. These will be offered Monday at the command center in the Riesbeck’s Shopping Plaza in Elm Grove, and at the Ohio County Health Department in the City-County Building,1500 Chapline St., Wheeling.

Those wanting to volunteer or donate time should call 204-234-7019. Those with flooding questions or wanting to report a missing person should call the Emergency Management Agency at 304-234-3756. 

Flood supply distribution sites at the rear entrance of 25 Armory Drive in Wheeling and Guntry at 45 Caliber Drive at The Highlands will open at 10 a.m. Monday. Those impacted by flooding can pick up various supplies like water, cleaning supplies, non-perishable food, paper products, clothes, animal food and more.

Triadelphia Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dave Pattterson reported strong flood waters in Triadelphia forced the back wall of their fire station to blow out. A rescue truck was destroyed, and Patterson isn’t certain whether a second vehicle – an ambulance – can be saved. Both vehicles were dug out from under the debris, he explained.

All the while, the fire department continued to get emergency calls, Patterson said.

He was asked what the department’s next move will be to replace the truck and rebuild their station house.

“Insurance,” Patterson responded.