Fact Check: "Between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County within about 30 minutes on June 14, 2025."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, a severe weather event led to flash flooding in Wheeling and Ohio County, West Virginia. Reports from multiple sources indicate that between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in these areas within approximately 30 minutes. According to the Associated Press, local officials confirmed this rainfall amount, stating that emergency management received numerous calls for rescue as the flooding developed rapidly. Ohio County Emergency Management Director Lou Vargo noted that the rainfall occurred so quickly that it overwhelmed local infrastructure, causing significant damage and prompting a state of emergency declaration by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.
The National Weather Service also corroborated these figures, indicating that the rainfall was indeed measured within that range during the critical time frame on the evening of June 14, 2025 (Times Leader, Intelligencer).
Analysis
The claim that 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in Wheeling and Ohio County within about 30 minutes is supported by credible sources, including government agencies and news reports. The National Weather Service is a reliable authority on weather-related data, and their reports are typically based on rigorous monitoring and data collection. The information provided by the U.S. Geological Survey also supports the understanding of rainfall measurement and its implications for local flooding.
The reports from local news outlets, such as the Associated Press and Times Leader, provide firsthand accounts from emergency management officials and eyewitnesses, enhancing the credibility of the claim. These sources detail the immediate impact of the rainfall, including infrastructure damage and rescue operations, which aligns with the reported rainfall amounts.
While the sources are generally reliable, it is essential to note that the data from the National Weather Service is sometimes subject to preliminary assessments and may not undergo extensive quality control immediately after collection. However, the consistency across multiple reports and the serious consequences of the flooding lend further credence to the accuracy of the rainfall measurements.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in parts of Wheeling and Ohio County within about 30 minutes on June 14, 2025, is substantiated by multiple reliable sources, including the National Weather Service and local news reports. The rapid rainfall led to significant flooding and emergency responses, confirming the severity of the weather event.
Sources
- Rainfall Monitoring - National Weather Service
- Local Area Rainfall Monitoring - National Weather Service
- USGS Rainfall Calculator | U.S. Geological Survey
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