Governor Morrisey declares State of Emergency after new round of severe storms and flooding
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Governor Morrisey declares State of Emergency after new round of severe storms and flooding
CHARLESTON West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties following another round of severe storms that brought heavy rainfall, flash flooding, mudslides and damaging winds across the state.
The storms moved through West Virginia from August 16 through August 18, with some areas receiving near-record rainfall in just a matter of hours. The severe weather led to widespread water rescues and significant damage to homes, businesses, public infrastructure and essential services.
“This declaration gives our emergency responders, state agencies, and local officials the flexibility they need to move quickly, get resources where they are needed, and help communities recover from the damage,” Morrisey said.
The new declaration will remain in effect for 30 days unless it is terminated earlier. It allows state and local agencies to coordinate personnel, equipment and other resources needed for emergency response and recovery efforts.
The declaration is separate from the state of emergency issued after severe storms and flooding that began July 21.
Morrisey extended that earlier declaration last week through September 19 in Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pendleton, Pleasants, Randolph, Ritchie, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur and Wetzel counties, where recovery efforts are continuing.
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division and other state agencies will work with local and federal partners to assess damage, respond to immediate needs and provide assistance to communities affected by the latest storms.
“We have crews and emergency responders working across the state, and we are going to make sure they have what they need to do their jobs,” Morrisey said.
PHOTO | MGN
