MORRISVALE, W.Va. — For a second time in less than three months, Boone County Emergency Services Director Michael Mayhorn is wading through the mud to visit with flood victims in his county.
“Water damage inside their homes in the living spaces, several vehicles have gotten damaged or are in the creek, it’s a pretty significant event up here,” Mayhorn explained to MetroNews from the Morrisvale community.
“It impacted one little community here, the Morrisvale Community. The National Weather Service says we got seven inches of rain in about four hours,” he said.
The storm parked over the small area and continued to pour. Streams rose out off their banks and washed out much of the roadway. A significant number of private bridges which provide access from the road to people’s homes are either destroyed or heavily damaged.
Mayhorn couldn’t say how many homes were impacted, but he and other state officials continue to travel door to door having a look at the damage. Flood victims are urged to go to the BooneWV.com and report their damage to the county. Anyone without a computer can also call 211 and make a report over the phone. The reporting is critical to gathering information to prepare for asking the White House for a disaster declaration.
In late June the Van and Wharton communities were impacted with similar rain and similar results along Pond Fork. The main damage from Wednesday’s rainfall was on Dog Hollow Road, Cameo Road, and Horse Creek Road.
“I’m looking at one right now as we speak and a lady is telling me it had three and a half feet of water in it,” Mayhorn said.
Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency in Boone and Lincoln Counties to help deal with the flood impact. Although several homes were damaged, the biggest problems are with roads and bridges. The Division of Highways is on the scene continuing to make repairs and remove debris. The declaration frees up more man power and equipment to help with the recovery. The National Guard was also on hand helping with damage assessment.
“We have the National Guard in here doing damage assessment. The Red Cross is on the way with cleaning supplies. West Virginia VOAD has been contacted to bring in some supplies like lime. The Morrisvale Community Center is open and it’s staffed and ready go go with cleaning supplies,” said Mayhorn.