FloodZoneMap.org

Flood — Kanawha, WV

May 20, 2020

A slow moving low pressure system crossing through the Tennessee Valley resulted in a multiple day flooding event across portions of West Virginia. The ground was already saturated from antecedent rain earlier in the month, which resulted in roadways being inundated with water and becoming impassable for a time. Rainfall amounts from across the state ranged between one to four inches through the course of several days. Rain finally came to an end once the stubborn low pushed eastward over the At

Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 885166). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.

Flood Risk Context for Kanawha, WV

This event is one of many recorded floods in Kanawha County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.

View Kanawha County flood data →

More Flood Stories

Flood4 deaths$36.0M damage

Kanawha, WV · Jun 23, 2016

Multiple rounds of convection resulted in wind damage and flooding. Flash flooding on small streams turned into river flooding. A historic and record setting flood occurred along portions of the Elk and Gauley Rivers in central West Virginia.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood3 deaths$500K damage

Kanawha, WV · Feb 18, 2000

A warm front surged north during the morning of Friday the 18th, dropping a half inch to an inch of rain. Meanwhile, low pressure extended from southern Ohio on down the entire length of the Ohio River during that afternoon.

Read the full account →
Flood2 deaths$26.0M damage

Kanawha, WV · Jun 23, 2016

Multiple rounds of convection resulted in wind damage and flooding. Flash flooding on small streams turned into river flooding. A historic and record setting flood occurred along portions of the Elk and Gauley Rivers in central West Virginia.

Read the full account →
Flash Flood2 deaths$5.0M damage

Kanawha, WV · Jun 28, 1998

Three consecutive nights of thunderstorms left western and northern counties with wind damage and flooding. The first night was from Friday evening, the 26th, into early Saturday morning, the 27th.

Read the full account →