West Virginia Governor extends State of Emergency in 12 counties

Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced an extension of the State of Emergency for 12 West Virginia counties following severe storms and flooding that began on July 21. The extension, which applies to Barbour, Doddridge, Harrison, Lewis, Pendleton, Pleasants, Randolph, Ritchie, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, and Wetzel counties, will remain in effect through September 19 to facilitate ongoing recovery and damage assessments.

The original storms caused significant damage through torrential rainfall, flash flooding, landslides, and damaging winds, impacting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure. While the State of Emergency for the remaining 43 counties is scheduled to expire on August 20, the extension in the hardest-hit areas aims to provide state and local partners with the necessary flexibility and resources to rebuild.

In certain counties, including Upshur, Lewis, Ritchie, and Pleasants, residents qualify for federal assistance after being declared federal disaster areas. Local officials are encouraging residents with storm-related damages to register with FEMA via their website, mobile app, or telephone to determine eligibility for compensation.