A life-threatening situation unfolded across portions of West Virginia on Thursday morning as powerful thunderstorms moved across the region, leading to numerous reports of flooding, high-water rescues and rockslides due to torrential rain.

Torrential rain led to a rare Flash Flood Emergency being issued early Thursday for portions of West Virginia, placing areas like Charleston under imminent threat.

A dangerous and life-threatening situation is unfolding in portions of West Virginia as officials urge residents in many communities to seek higher ground immediately after forecasters issued a rare Flash Flood Emergency early Thursday morning.