CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice placed 50 of the state’s 55 counties under a State of Preparedness Saturday night with more rain expected in the Mountain State Sunday.
According to the governor’s office, the declaration “allows for the mobilization of resources to assist with preparation for any potential flooding or other storm-related damage.”
Justice also activated the State Emergency Operations Center and alerted state agencies to be ready for possible activation.
I have declared a State of Preparedness for 50 counties in advance of potential flooding that may affect West Virginia next week.
Read more ⬇️ https://t.co/N33zE77a3L@WVEMD
— Governor Jim Justice (@WVGovernor) February 28, 2021
The National Weather Service had most counties under a flood watch or weather advisory Saturday night with 2 to 4 inches of additional rain possible Sunday. There were a number of low-lying areas across the state that were reporting high water Saturday night.
Multiple rounds of rain are expected to pass over the area this weekend, which could prompt 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, depending on location. Most of the rain will become runoff, causing a rise along small creeks, streams, and rivers late tonight through Sunday night. pic.twitter.com/shBJ0Ed5KF
— NWS Charleston, WV (@NWSCharlestonWV) February 27, 2021
The weather service is currently forecasting minor flooding Monday when the Guyandotte River exceeds its banks at Branchland in Lincoln County; the Coal River floods near Tornado in Kanawha County; the Tygart Valley River is expected to exceed flood stage at both Philippi and Belington in Barbour County and the Cheat River floods at both Parsons in Tucker County and Rowlesburg in Preston County.
The forecast could change depending on the amount of rain Sunday.
Justice did not include Wetzel, Marshall, Ohio, Brooke or Hancock counties in the State of Preparedness.