Torrential rains caused severe flooding across West Virginia, damaging homes and businesses, washing out roads and bridges, and prompting numerous water rescues.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide emergency and deployed hundreds of National Guard members to assist the hardest-hit areas.

Up to 7 inches of rain fell in some locations, leaving vehicles submerged, communities isolated, and major highways temporarily closed.

Officials reported no deaths or missing people but warned that recovery efforts would take time as floodwaters receded, the AP has reported.

The storms were part of a larger weather system that brought flooding and possible tornado damage across parts of the eastern United States.