City of Elkins Urges Residents to Stay Safe Amid Severe Storms and Flash Flooding Risks

ELKINS, W.Va. — July 21, 2026 — Given the recent flash flooding in Barbour County and the governor’s declaration of a state of preparedness for all 55 West Virginia counties, the City of Elkins wants to remind residents of how to stay safe during extreme weather like today’s thunderstorms.

Water Moves Fast: Be Prepared

First, we suggest you sign up for our alerts if you haven’t already, as the service includes extreme weather alerts from Randolph County and the National Weather Service. Understand the difference between a:

• “Watch” (there’s risk of hazardous weather, but its location or timing is unknown),
• “Advisory” (less serious than a warning; if caution isn’t taken, there’s a risk to life or property),
• and a “Warning” (flooding is likely, imminent, or occurring).

Prepare your home, starting with securing or moving indoors items like outdoor furniture and trash cans that can become dangerous should high winds occur. Identify a safe place inside, like a small interior room away from windows, and if necessary, be ready to evacuate to higher ground on short notice.

Stay indoors during the height of the storm. If rainfall intensifies or winds pick up, move to a small interior room on the lowest level, away from windows and glass doors. Avoid windows to avoid injury from shattered glass. If you happen to be outside in low-lying areas like streams or creeks, move to higher ground immediately. If the rain is crowding out all other noise, consider that your cue to be on high alert.

Don’t Risk It!

Turn Around, Don’t Drown®: Never swim, walk, or drive through floodwaters. Six inches of water can knock you off your feet; 12 inches (one foot) of water is strong enough to sweep away most vehicles. Bottom line, avoid any flooded roads. Turn around and find another route if you’re in your car and encounter a flooded street. Never drive around barricades set up by emergency crews—they are there for a reason, and roads behind them may be washed out.

After any storm, take additional steps to stay safe. Stay away from potential hazards like downed power lines, poles, and wires. Watch for debris like tree branches. And, avoid floodwaters, as standing water could be contaminated with anything from sewage to chemicals.

Once it is safe to do so, check on elderly neighbors, families with very young children, or those with mobility issues to ensure they are okay.

“Elkins is a community where we look out for one another, and that’s never more important than during severe weather,” said Elkins Mayor Jerry A. Marco. “Please check on your elderly neighbors, families with young children, and anyone who might need help. A quick phone call or knock on the door could make all the difference.”

Learn more at https://weather.gov/flood.

Sign up for emergency text alerts here: https://cityofelkinswv.gov/alerts.