After issuing a pre-emptive state of preparedness early Tuesday afternoon, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey upgraded the declaration to a state of emergency due to severe storms, rainfall, and flood waters.
Morrisey also assigned 100 members of the National Guard to the northern part of the state and 200 more are expected to arrive on July 22.
Morrisey’s state of preparedness on Tuesday afternoon led to a declaration of emergency as storm systems produced severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, a downpouring of rain, mudslides, and rapidly rising water.
Up to 7 inches of rain fell across the state on July 21 over a six-hour time frame, forcing the closure of parts of Interstate 79, U.S. Route 48, and secondary roads.
The emergency declaration applies to all of the state’s 55 counties and is effective for 30 days.
Lewis, Pleasants, and Upshur counties are the most severely impacted, according to Morrisey.
Lewis County Commissioner Agnes Quinn Queen said in a social media post, “The devastation across our county is extensive."
Water levels in a stream called Sand Run that flows into the Buckhannon River in Upshur County rose to record levels, trumping a November 1985 flood that led to 47 deaths statewide, according to U.S. Geological Survey data.
Overwhelming rain and flash floods have also led to numerous water rescues of people trapped in submerged cars in parts of West Virginia.
“Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight,” Morrisey said.
Some homes and businesses are completely inundated and bridges are washed out. The emergency allows state agencies to coordinate resources, activate emergency response capabilities, and deploy personnel and equipment.
The NWS flagged the state with a top-tier Flash Flood Emergency (Particularly Dangerous Situation) designation and issued a warning on Tuesday night: "SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!"
“I urge every West Virginian to exercise an abundance of caution, stay off flooded roadways, monitor local forecasts, and follow the direction of emergency officials,” Morrisey added.
Residents are urged to avoid driving through flooded roadways, remain alert for rapidly changing weather conditions, and follow the guidance of local emergency officials.