The governor has placed Cabell and Kanawha counties under a state of emergency due to severe weather conditions that began Wednesday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey placed all 55 West Virginia counties under a state of preparedness Wednesday, eyeing National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts of flash flooding, strong winds and freezing rains.
But the governor’s office announced Thursday that fallout from the storms warranted a more significant emergency preparedness declaration for the two southern West Virginia counties.
During a press briefing Thursday, Morrisey said his office would watch weather conditions throughout the state to determine whether additional support was needed on the local level.
“We’re prepared to do whatever it takes to help local counties address the immediate needs of the storm,” he said.
In his emergency declaration later that day, Morrisey cited “downed trees, power outages and road blockages” in Cabell and Kanawha counties that could pose a risk to residents.
“The effects of the storm pose a severe and continuing threat to the health, safety, welfare and property of the citizens of Cabell and Kanawha counties,” the declaration read.
Morrisey said Thursday afternoon that 18 counties had reported damages “from ice and storms,” and that schools were forced to close in Clay, Lincoln, Mason, Nicholas, Putnam and Wayne counties.
A state of emergency declaration expands the governor’s ability to make financial decisions and mobilize personnel in response to an emergency, including the usage of the Governor’s Civil Contingent Fund, a reserve of funds set aside by the West Virginia Legislature that can be used at the governor’s discretion.
Under a state of preparedness, the state similarly prepares emergency response resources to respond to immediate needs, but the governor’s decision-making authority is more restricted.
Morrisey said state agencies are actively working to address emergency needs within Cabell and Kanawha counties and beyond. He said Thursday that crews from the West Virginia Department of Highways are “clearing debris” and “monitoring the flood risks to ensure travel routes remain safe.”
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division is also “working in close coordination with local emergency managers and first responders to engage in the ongoing response,” he said.
In a press release regarding the emergency declaration Thursday, the governor’s office did not note when the status would expire.
“The state of emergency will remain in effect for thirty days unless terminated by the governor,” the press release read.
In the meantime, the governor’s office urged residents to visit the NWS website for their region of residence for up-to-date weather information. Residents can find more information on their regions at the following links:
- Northern Panhandle: NWS Pittsburgh forecast office website.
- Eastern Panhandle: NWS Baltimore/Washington forecast office website.
- Southeast West Virginia: NWS Blacksburg, Va. forecast office website.
- All other regions: NWS Charleston forecast office website.
