Kanawha County Safety

08/22/2026

Michael Epoulipiy, a city worker with the City of Charleston Streets Department in West Virginia, did not begin his shift on Aug. 16, 2026 thinking he would save a life, but when he saw a woman, who he now knows is Raven Harper, floating down the street in her car, he acted before he could think. Au...

08/22/2026

UPDATE: Four people are dead after a crash off the interstate in Charleston late Friday night.

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/kanawha-county-wv/three-reported-dead-in-charleston-crash-off-interstate/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook_WOWK_13_NEWS

08/20/2026

🚨 MISSING JUVENILE — KANAWHA COUNTY 🚨

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Aiden Tomblin of Sissonville.

Aiden was last seen Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m. in the area of Capitol Drive in Sissonville.

He is described as a Black male, 5’4”, approximately 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a pink Nike shirt and black shorts.

👀 Please take a moment to look at the photo and share this post. Someone may have seen Aiden or have information that could help locate him.

Anyone with information regarding Aiden’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office by calling:

📞 304-357-0169
📞 304-357-0556

UPDATE: Aiden has been located safe on 8/20/26

🚨MISSING JUVENILE - AIDEN TOMBLIN🚨

The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 14-year-old Aiden Tomblin of Sissonville, WV.

Aiden was last seen on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at approximately 8:00 p.m., in the area of Capitol Drive in Sissonville.

Aiden is a Black male, 5’4”, approximately 120 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen wearing a pink Nike shirt and black shorts.

Anyone with information about Aiden’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office by calling either Deputy Arnold at 304-357-0169 or a Detective at 304-357-0556. Tips can also be left on our website at www.KanawhaSheriff.us

08/19/2026

A semitruck fell off Interstate 64/77 in downtown Charleston, West Virginia early on Aug. 19, 2026.

08/17/2026

⚠️ KANAWHA COUNTY — USE EXTREME CAUTION TODAY ⚠️

Kanawha County was hit hard by severe weather overnight, and many areas are waking up to significant impacts.

Reports include:
🔌 Widespread power outages
🌊 High water and flooding
🛣️ Washed-out and damaged roadways
🌳 Downed trees and other hazards

If you have to travel today, use extreme caution and expect unexpected hazards. Road conditions can change quickly, especially in areas that experienced heavy rainfall.

🚫 DO NOT attempt to drive through high water.

You don’t know how deep the water is, how strong the current may be, or whether the roadway is even still there underneath the water.

Turn around. Don’t drown. Getting to your destination is never worth risking your life — or the lives of the first responders who may have to come rescue you.

Please check on your neighbors, stay alert, and give emergency crews and utility workers plenty of room to work.

Stay safe, Kanawha County. ❤️

08/17/2026

🚨 TRAVEL ALERT — PLAN AHEAD 🚨

Heads up, drivers! The West Virginia Department of Transportation has announced several upcoming bridge closures and overnight lane restrictions that could impact travel through the Kanawha Valley.

🔹 Former Dunbar Toll Bridge
The bridge will be closed from 4 p.m. Sunday, August 16, until approximately 6 a.m. Monday, August 17, for deck repairs.

🔹 I-79 Guy R. Hively Memorial Bridges

Monday, August 17 | 8 p.m.–5 a.m.
➡️ Southbound I-79 will be closed between Big Chimney and Elkview.

Detour: Elkview Exit 9 → Frame Road → US 119 South → WV 114 → I-79 at Big Chimney Exit 5.

Tuesday, August 18 | 8 p.m.–5 a.m.
⬅️ Northbound I-79 will be closed.

Detour: Big Chimney Exit 5 → WV 114 → US 119 North → Frame Road → I-79 at Elkview Exit 9.

If you’re traveling through these areas, plan ahead, allow extra time, and use caution around work zones.

📍 This information is provided by the West Virginia Department of Transportation.

08/11/2026

🚨 WATER RESCUE REPORTED 🚨

A water rescue has been reported in the area of the Pinch/Quick intersection.

We are also receiving multiple reports of high water throughout the county. Please use extreme caution when traveling and avoid flooded roadways whenever possible.

🌊 Turn Around, Don’t Drown!
Never attempt to drive through standing or moving water. It may be deeper and moving faster than it appears.

Please stay off the roads if possible, and watch for debris, downed trees, and additional flooding.

08/09/2026

Firefighters in Sissonville extinguished a structure fire at a trailer park on Saturday afternoon.

08/09/2026

🚨 DID YOU KNOW? 🚨

It’s illegal to drive in the left lane in West Virginia… in certain situations. 👀

We’ve all seen it — someone cruising along in the left lane while traffic backs up behind them. But did you know West Virginia law actually addresses this?

📖 West Virginia Code §17C-7-1 states that when a vehicle is traveling slower than the normal flow of traffic, it shall be driven in the right-hand lane available, or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

The left lane may be used for:

➡️ Passing another vehicle traveling in the same direction
➡️ When the right half of the roadway is closed for construction or repair
➡️ On roadways divided into three marked lanes, when applicable
➡️ On roadways designated and signed for one-way traffic
➡️ When preparing to make a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway

⚠️ AND YES, THERE ARE PENALTIES.

Under §17C-7-1:

💰 First conviction: Fine of up to $100

💰 Second conviction within one year: Fine of up to $200

💰 Third or subsequent conviction: Fine of up to $500

The law classifies a violation as a misdemeanor upon conviction. (West Virginia Code⁠)

🚗 THE BOTTOM LINE:

If you’re traveling slower than the normal flow of traffic and you’re not passing or preparing to make a left turn, keep right when practicable.

Using the left lane to pass is one thing. Staying there and holding up traffic is another.

This isn’t about being the “fast lane police” — it’s about knowing the law, being courteous to other drivers, and helping traffic move safely.

📚 Know the law. Drive smart. Share the road.