# West Virginia flooding emergency and recovery efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/west-virginia-flooding-emergency
> Updated: 2026-08-24T22:29:27.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 9.

In late June, the National Weather Service placed a Flood Watch on southern West Virginia and adjacent parts of Kentucky, Ohio and Virginia. On 20 July, Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide emergency for all 55 counties as torrential rain produced flash floods, landslides and road closures. Severe storms on 21 July widened the disaster, washing out roads and cutting power across dozens of counties.

On 7 August, West Virginia announced an appeal of FEMA’s denial of a major disaster declaration for Boone and Logan counties. While FEMA approved assistance for Upshaw, Lewis, Ritchie and Pleasant counties, the state has a 30-day window to submit additional documentation. To support recovery, the Governor announced a $3 million grant to the West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD).

By 19 August, Governor Morrisey declared a new 30-day statewide state of emergency following severe storms that triggered flash flooding, mudslides, and water rescues. In Charleston, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin also declared a city-level emergency as cleanup and repair costs are expected to reach millions of dollars. To address utility challenges, the administration announced $145 million for water and wastewater infrastructure under a ‘Clean, Clear Water Strategy,’ partnering with Marshall University and West Virginia University to assist small water systems.

Recovery efforts have since expanded to include debris management and infrastructure assessment. In Kanawha County, contractors have begun collecting heavy flood debris in areas like Campbells Creek and Cabin Creek, a process essential for potential federal disaster declaration requests. In Upshur County, authorities are monitoring stream debris blockages to prevent further flooding and advising residents on mold remediation. Meanwhile, the State of Emergency for 12 specific counties—including Barbour, Harrison, and Lewis—has been extended through September 19 to facilitate ongoing rebuilding and damage assessments.

## Claims

- FEMA denied a major disaster declaration request for Boone and Logan counties. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the state will appeal FEMA’s denial. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Severe storms on June 22‑23, 2026 caused extensive flooding, landslides and mudslides in Boone and Logan counties. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- FEMA approved disaster declarations and $4.5 million in assistance for Upshaw and Lewis counties. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The West Virginia Emergency Management Division has a 30‑day deadline, retroactive to August 3, to submit additional documentation for the appeal. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Residents of Boone and Logan counties are encouraged to contact their local emergency‑management agencies for immediate assistance. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $3 million grant for West Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (WV VOAD). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The $3 million grant will be provided to WV VOAD in $1 million installments. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Funding for the grant is sourced from the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- FEMA also approved disaster assistance requests for Ritchie and Pleasant counties. (single source)
- The grant aims to help rebuild bridges in McDowell County that were destroyed by flooding. (single source)
- A 2023 assessment estimated that nearly $18 billion is needed to repair existing water and sewer systems statewide. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-24: West Virginia counties manage flood debris and recovery

West Virginia counties are managing flood recovery following severe storms, focusing on debris removal in Kanawha and stream blockage assessments and mold remediation in Upshur.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-counties-manage-flood-debris-and-recovery

### 2026-08-20: West Virginia flood relief and recovery efforts underway

Relief and recovery efforts are active in West Virginia following flooding in Kanawha and Harrison counties, with agencies providing food, supplies, and damage assessment coordination.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-flood-relief-and-recovery-efforts-underway

### 2026-08-19: West Virginia Governor announces water funding and emergency declaration

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced $145 million for water infrastructure while declaring a statewide state of emergency following severe storms and flash flooding.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-governor-announces-water-funding-and-emergency-declaration

### 2026-08-14: West Virginia Governor extends State of Emergency in 12 counties

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey extended the State of Emergency in 12 counties through September 19 to support recovery efforts following severe July storms and flooding.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-governor-extends-state-of-emergency-in-12-counties

### 2026-08-10: West Virginia allocates $3 million for disaster recovery and infrastructure

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $3 million grant for West Virginia VOAD to fund disaster recovery and bridge reconstruction, following a tour of the state's southern coalfield infrastructure.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-allocates-3-million-for-disaster-recovery-and-infrastructure

### 2026-08-07: West Virginia Appeals FEMA Denial for Boone and Logan Disaster Aid

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey will appeal FEMA’s denial of a disaster declaration for Boone and Logan counties after June 2026 storms, while FEMA has approved aid for other counties.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-appeals-fema-denial-for-boone-and-logan-disaster-aid

### 2026-07-26: West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey seeks federal disaster aid after July floods

Governor Patrick Morrisey of West Virginia asked the White House for an expedited disaster declaration after July 21 floods crippled infrastructure in dozens of counties, seeking federal FEMA aid for recovery.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-governor-patrick-morrisey-seeks-federal-disaster-aid-after-july-floods

### 2026-07-20: West Virginia Governor Declares Statewide Emergency as Flash Floods Ravage Counties

Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a statewide emergency as flash floods hit West Virginia, deploying the National Guard, opening shelters and requesting federal disaster aid for severely affected counties.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wv-governor-declares-emergency-for-flooded-barbour-county

### 2026-06-22: West Virginia and Central Virginia Flood Alerts Prompt Travel Warnings

NWS flood watch covers southern West Virginia and nearby states, while flash‑flood warnings hit central Virginia, prompting travel cautions and alerts to avoid flooded roads.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/west-virginia-and-central-virginia-flood-alerts-prompt-travel-warnings

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Cite as: West Virginia flooding emergency and recovery efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/west-virginia-flooding-emergency
