West Virginia Governor Declares Statewide Emergency as Flash Floods Ravage Counties
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties on Tuesday night as a storm system brought torrential rain, flash floods, landslides and road closures across the state. The National Weather Service issued flash‑flood emergencies, urging residents to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”
About 100 National Guard members were deployed with air and water rescue assets, conducting water rescues in Upshur, Lewis, Taylor and other counties. An evacuation order was issued for Buckhannon streets, and shelters were opened at the Church of the Nazarene, Philippi Middle School, Lewis County High School, the Parish House and a donation center at West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Governor Morrisey also requested a Major Disaster Declaration from the federal government for Boone and Logan counties, which suffered severe June flooding that damaged 186 homes, destroying 12. The request seeks Individual Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding to help families rebuild and increase flood resilience.
No fatalities were reported, but extensive property damage and utility outages were noted, and emergency lines remained overwhelmed. The statewide emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless lifted earlier.