The Herald-Dispatch
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s coalfield region is continuing to feel the effects of an unprecedented flooding event this week.
On Thursday, Gov. Morrisey reported parts of McDowell County, where three people died, received 4.72 inches of rain in less than 48 hours, which led to the Tug Fork River cresting at 49 feet. “We believe this is the second highest recorded in history,” Morrisey said. “It was much worse than the forecast.”
Morrisey has submitted assistance applications to FEMA for 13 southern West Virginia counties.
The flooding has brought Mingo County to a near standstill as its schools, as well as those in McDowell County, have been cancelled indefinitely. The Mingo County Courthouse remains closed on a day-by-day basis.
