Governor also issues State of Preparedness for 35 additional counties
Charleston, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin declared a State of Emergency in Braxton, Webster and Wood counties July 13, mobilizing state resources to combat severe flooding following heavy rainfall Sunday night and Monday morning.
The governor has also issued a State of Preparedness for 35 additional counties: Barbour, Boone, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Fayette, Gilmer, Greenbrier, Harrison, Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mercer, Mingo, Monroe, Nicholas, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Putnam, Raleigh, Randolph, Ritchie, Roane, Summers, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Wirt and Wyoming counties.
“In the past 24 hours, areas of our state have experienced rockslides, mudslides and severe flooding as a result of major storms and substantial rainfall,” Gov. Tomblin said. “State agencies have people in the field to help local offices of emergency management assess local damages, and additional state resources have been mobilized to prepare for a second major storm event expected to hit Monday evening. As the forecast evolves over the next 24 hours, I encourage West Virginians to gather supplies necessary to prepare for flooding, power outages, downed electric lines and downed trees. As you make preparedness plans, I encourage you to talk to your family about what to do and where to go. Remember to check on the elderly and your neighbors, and consider a plan to care for household pets.”
A State of Emergency does not guarantee federal assistance unless certain thresholds are met. In addition, the declaration does not provide for direct individual assistance. West Virginians should continue to contact their local offices of emergency management for immediate needs. Contact information for each county office can be found here: http://www.dhsem.wv.gov/Important%20Contact%20Numbers/Pages/default.aspx.
The State of Preparedness statue was passed last year to allow the governor to mobilize necessary resources in advance of predicted severe weather or large-scale threats. The powers are similar to those involved in a State of Emergency but allow for additional preparations in advance of the expected event.
To read the State of Emergency proclamation in its entirety, click here.
To read the State of Preparedness proclamation in its entirety, click here.