Fact Check: Flash flooding caused by torrential rains killed five people, including a 3-year-old child, in northern West Virginia on June 15, 2025.

Fact Check: Flash Flooding in West Virginia Killed Five, Including a Child

What We Know

On June 15, 2025, severe flash flooding in northern West Virginia resulted in significant casualties and destruction. Reports indicate that at least five people died, including a 3-year-old child, as torrential rains caused rapid flooding in the region. The Wheeling-Ohio County Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency reported that between 2.5 to 4 inches of rain fell in a very short period, leading to widespread flooding and road closures (source-1).

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the fatalities and noted that several individuals were still missing, emphasizing the urgency of search and rescue operations (source-2). The National Weather Service had issued warnings about the severe weather conditions prior to the flooding, indicating that the area was at risk for flash floods (source-3).

Analysis

The claim that "flash flooding caused by torrential rains killed five people, including a 3-year-old child, in northern West Virginia on June 15, 2025," is partially true. While multiple sources confirm that at least five fatalities occurred, including a child, there is some inconsistency regarding the exact number of confirmed deaths. Reports from the New York Times and Fox Weather state that five people died, while other sources, such as NPR and CBS News, report that the confirmed death toll was at least three, with ongoing searches for missing individuals (source-1, source-4, source-5).

The discrepancies in the reported death toll may stem from the chaotic nature of the situation, with ongoing rescue efforts and the possibility of additional casualties being confirmed as search operations continued. The reliability of the sources varies, with major news outlets like the New York Times and NPR generally considered credible, while smaller or less established outlets may have less rigorous reporting standards.

Conclusion

The claim is partially true. While it accurately states that flash flooding resulted in fatalities, including a child, the exact number of confirmed deaths is still unclear, with reports ranging from three to five. The situation is still developing, and further updates may provide more clarity on the final death toll.

Sources

1. At Least 5 Dead and 3 Missing in West Virginia Flash Flooding
2. Three dead after flash-flooding in area of Wheeling, West ...
3. 3 dead in West Virginia flash flooding as storm dumps up to 4 inches of ...
4. Deadly flash floods kill 13 in San Antonio and at least 3 in West ...
5. Flash floods kill 3 in West Virginia, several people missing after ...
6. 3-year-old among 4 dead in West Virginia flash flooding, others missing ...