Fayette County flood causes one death and widespread damage

A woman has died following severe flooding in Fayette County, West Virginia. According to Sheriff Jess McMullen, the victim was swept away on Sunday in Pax after her vehicle made a wrong turn into rapidly rising floodwaters. Witnesses reported that a tree branch broke the vehicle's glass as the current moved it, and the woman was swept away while attempting to exit the car.

After an initial search was cut short by further severe weather, the sheriff’s office drone unit located the woman's body on Monday.

Fayette County Office of Emergency Services Director Jack Kincaid reported widespread damage across the region, including Mount Hope, Pax, and Kanawha Falls. The flooding, caused by several inches of rain falling in a short period, has resulted in downed trees and power lines. Local authorities are currently collecting damage survey forms to assist in a potential disaster declaration.