Flooded with Community
For those of you reading this without a personal connection to Weston, the town and many others across West Virginia experienced a devastating flash flood on Tuesday July 21, 2026. The damage is severe. Some woke up to destroyed belongings and businesses, others didn’t even sleep, waiting for rescue after their homes washed away. But what the town didn’t lose was community. I don’t think I understood the depth of what community could mean until I witnessed the residents and neighbors of Weston come together to support one another unconditionally and without hesitation.
As we’ve said before, since the moment we bought the Hospital we’ve been welcomed with open arms. Our neighbors throughout town are always reminding us to reach out if we need anything, sharing useful information and resources, and voicing support. It hasn’t mattered that we live hours away and have no other connection to Weston. We’ve never felt like outsiders; we’re part of the community now. After the water subsided, neighbors checked in to offer supplies and their time. A huge thanks to our generous neighbors at HeartHouse for providing the water and a hose that allowed me to actually clean out the mud! From the outside it might seem like a small thing, but it made a huge difference and meant so much!
We are honored to be part of Weston, a city of neighbors!
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We were very lucky. Unlike many others, we had no personal belongings in areas below the flood line of our property. After the power went out Wednesday evening, the basement accumulated roughly 3-4 feet of water. Once powered was restored a day later, our sump pump kicked on and drained out most of the water, leaving behind a thick layer of mud and silt. The inherited dehumidifier officially kicked the bucket and everything in the basement is thickly coated in condensation. There is some new mold growing on the floor joists and the foundation mortar is a bit worse for wear. The roof repairs all held; there were no new leaks or water damage on the upper floors.
Weston on July 23, 2026 - Yellow Arrow above Historic General Hospital (photo credit — Andrew McDonald)
I spent Thursday afternoon and evening cleaning out the garbage and mud and started treating the mold. But that’s it. If anything, with the mud removal completed the basement is now cleaner than before the flood. Our replacement dehumidifier is hard at work.
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Resources & Ways to Support Weston
Resources:
City of Weston Facebook - Up to Date Resource Guides and Support
Lewis County Mutual Aid - Up to Date Resource Guides and Support
Lewis County Family Resource Network (Website & Facebook) - Resources, Supplies, & Support
Lewis County Health Department - Tetnus Shots, Safe Cleanup Guides, and More
Damage Survey - Please document all damage and complete the survey if you were affected
Ways to Support:
Lewis County Family Resource Network (Website & Facebook) - Donations
Paypal - Send to donate@lewiscountyfrn.org
Physical Donations (see Facebook for list of current needs) - 284 Market Plaza, Weston, WV (but there are lots of individuals and business accepting donations and taking them to this hub)
Volunteer to assist in flood relief efforts