McDowell County, West Virginia has consistently been among the poorest counties in the state and the country. In 2024, the county’s median household income was $27,682, which is more than 40% below the state median, according to the US Census Bureau. And yet the county suffers from a long history of devastating floods—three in the last 25 years that caused death and destruction. The winter storm that wreaked havoc over the central and eastern part of the country earlier this month was the third. The local news reported that:
At least one fatality has been confirmed, and there are still people unaccounted for. The Tug Fork River reached historic levels, and rainfall compounded on the flooding with over a month’s worth of rain in just two days. Lives, homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure have been severely impacted.
Over the weekend, relentless rainfall turned roads into rivers, trapping residents and destroying property. In Welch, floodwaters surged through the town much of Saturday and into the evening. Vehicles were overturned, roads and sidewalks were caked in thick mud, and countless businesses and homes fell victim to the floodwaters.
“[It was] carnage to be honest with you. Some people lost everything. Some people lost their lives. It’s horrible, and I don’t know what to say. It actually tugs my heart talking about it.” Sheriff James Muncy Jr. said on Sunday.
Waterlogged streets, collapsed embankments, and desperate rescue efforts paint a forbidding picture of the situation and show the scale of the devastation…
The Tug Fork River crested at 22.1 feet on Saturday around 10 PM, tying 2002 for the highest levels recorded in history. The rush of water left the streets of Welch caked in mud, flooded houses and businesses, and made countless roads impassable. The infrastructure damage has only compounded the issue of safe roadways.
The following statement, however, says it all about the people of McDowell County.
Despite the damage, the resilience of McDowell County residents is undeniable.
“You know, we have some of the best people in the country here in McDowell County. And we’ve got folks that have basically—they’ve really placed themselves in harm’s way to try to look out for their neighbors and try to do all that we can,” Commissioner Brooks said.
The County suffers when the rains hit and the rivers swell, and there may not seem like much can be done; but there are infrastructure improvements that, if funded, would make a world of difference. Organizations like the NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) have purchased properties in flood-prone areas, such as the Elkhorn Creek/Tug Fork River Watershed. Residents in those areas are being offered an opportunity to relocate. And of course, walls, raising foundations, and other diversion techniques would help.
The town of Welch has a particular problem with an underpass beneath the railroad on the main road leading to town. It’s too short for some traffic and a lower section that provides access to higher vehicles floods during storms. Even worse, the hospital and the town are on opposite sides of this dangerous underpass. In a local TV newscast, Welch Mayor McBride said he believes the citizens of Welch deserve a new bridge that is not such a dangerous hazard.
“It’s a way of life, a quality of life that just has to be done. It’s time. It should have been done a long time ago, but I don’t want somebody twenty years from now saying it should’ve been done. We campaign hard for it. The governor has been very accessible to it… We’re not gonna give up no matter. As long as I’m here, they’re gonna hear from me screaming about a bridge.”
One simple remedy would make a huge difference to this town and others who must pass through it.
To help the people of McDowell County please consider donating to the charities listed here. And here. And here.
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