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CHARLESTON – Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of preparedness for all 55 West Virginia counties in response to severe weather forecasts for the region.
Beginning today, a series of storm systems is expected to track across the state, bringing severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, potential landslides and possible tornadoes, according to a release from the governor’s office. High-volume rainfall may rapidly overwhelm local streams, creeks, drainage systems and transportation infrastructure, leading to hazardous road conditions and localized closures.
The state of preparedness is a proactive measure to ensure state agencies and local partners are fully prepared to rapidly deploy resources, monitor conditions and protect citizens’ health, safety and property, the release said.
Under the declaration, authorized pursuant to West Virginia Code § 15-5-6, the governor has:
* Activated the State Emergency Operations Plan to coordinate statewide resources and response strategies.
* Ordered key personnel and emergency assets to prepare for swift mobilization as conditions evolve.
* Delegated administrative authority to the director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to ensure the seamless delivery of essential emergency services.
The state of preparedness will remain in effect for 14 days unless terminated by a subsequent proclamation.
The release advises residents to “stay vigilant, closely monitor local weather forecasts, have multiple ways to receive severe weather alerts, and avoid driving through flooded roadways or standing water.”
A flash flood warning is in effect for northeastern Wood County and southwestern Pleasants County, as well as south central Washington County in Ohio, until 4:15 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.
A severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for Wood, Wirt, Doddridge, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane, Tyler and Wetzel counties until 8 p.m.
A flood watch is in effect for those counties – as well as Washington, Morgan, Athens and Meigs counties – until 2 a.m. Wednesday.