CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Boone, Logan, and Raleigh counties Wednesday afternoon, following severe storms, flash flooding, and landslides that impacted communities across southern West Virginia earlier this week.
“Protecting the safety of West Virginians remains our top priority,” Morrisey said in a news release. “My administration is working closely with local officials and emergency personnel to ensure affected communities have the resources they need as recovery efforts continue.”
The rainfall began on Monday June 22, when a series of slow-moving storm systems produced damaging winds and heavy rainfall across the region. In some locations, the total rainfall exceeded six inches, which in turn overwhelmed waterways, drainage systems, and transportation infrastructure.
The rainfall continued throughout the evening and into the morning of June 23. State officials were alerted of damages to homes, businesses, roads, bridges, and other property.
Morrisey declared the state of emergency, after state officials talked to county commissioners, emergency managers, first responders, and local leaders to assess the conditions on the grounds.
Additional information will be provided as damage assessments and recovery operations continue.
The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days, unless terminated earlier by Morrisey.