Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Boone and Lincoln counties following significant flash flooding driven by intense rainfall and slow-moving thunderstorms across portions of southern West Virginia.
Governor Morrisey Declares State of Emergency for Boone and Lincoln Counties
The emergency proclamation, issued Wednesday night, aims to make state resources available to support communities grappling with dangerous high water, water rescues, and compromised infrastructure.
Relentless Rainfall Overwhelms Southern West Virginia
A series of storm systems has tracked across West Virginia since September 21, delivering repeated periods of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. According to state officials, Wednesday’s weather brought slow-moving storms that produced intense rainfall across portions of Boone and Lincoln counties, overwhelming local streams, creeks, drainage systems, and low-water crossings, creating immediate public safety hazards.
“Our emergency responders are working to protect West Virginians as flooding continues to impact communities in Boone and Lincoln counties,” Governor Morrisey said in a statement reported by the Office of the Governor. “I urge everyone in the affected areas to remain alert, avoid flooded roadways, and follow instructions from local emergency officials. We are making state resources available to support communities and first responders wherever they are needed.”
Rescues, Road Closures, and Infrastructure Damage
The severe weather and subsequent flash flooding have triggered water rescues and forced road closures across the region, leaving behind hazardous travel conditions. Local emergency management teams report that persistent high water and saturated ground have elevated the risk for secondary hazards, including additional flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage accompanied by debris.
State emergency response assets have been mobilized under the emergency declaration to assist local agencies. According to Lootpress, the order allows state agencies to coordinate and deploy personnel, equipment and other resources to support local emergency response and recovery efforts.
Thirty-Day Emergency Order and Safety Warnings
Public safety officials have reiterated strict warnings for residents living within the flood zones. Authorities emphasize that motorists should never attempt to drive through flooded roadways. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring local weather conditions and instructions from local emergency management and public safety officials.
The declared State of Emergency will remain in active effect for 30 days unless it is terminated earlier by a subsequent proclamation.
As recovery efforts continue across Boone and Lincoln counties, state and local officials will monitor weather patterns and soil saturation levels to address lingering hazards. Residents in southern West Virginia are advised to stay tuned to local emergency alerts for further updates on infrastructure repairs and road reopenings.
