Flash Floods Swamp West Virginia

Severe flash flooding triggered by torrential rain swept through Weston in the US state of West Virginia, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Floodwaters inundated the ground floors of several buildings, including a Hampton Inn hotel, where guests and staff became trapped. Fire and emergency crews used inflatable boats to evacuate those stranded to higher ground.

Parking areas at hotels and shopping centers were submerged, leaving dozens of vehicles damaged as rivers and streams rapidly overflowed and turned city streets into fast-moving waterways.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings for parts of central and western West Virginia, urging residents to avoid flooded roads as further heavy rainfall is forecast.