Gov. Jim Justice has added seven counties to a state of emergency declaration because of flooding and ongoing storm-related threats.
The additions include Barbour, Brooke, Hancock, Marshall, Ohio, Wetzel and Wood counties. The governor had already declared emergency for Fayette, Kanawha, Lincoln and Nicholas counties on Tuesday after severe thunderstorms caused flooding, downed trees, power outages, and road blockages.
Justice also issued a State of Preparedness for all 55 counties on Tuesday, and it is still in effect.
Heavy rains and powerful winds earlier this week knocked down trees and damaged homes, businesses and infrastructure — particularly in the Kanawha Valley. Power was knocked out for more than 120,000 residents early in the storm cycle, and crews have been working steadily to restore service.
As rain has continued, flooding has been a danger across an even wider range of the state.
Justice on Wednesday, said he knows people over a wide swath of territory have been affected. He said his advisers are evaluating the appropriate response. At the time, he suggested the state of emergency could be broadened as knowledge of the situation developed.
“We don’t want to pass out states of emergency on everything all over the place all the time. We surely, absolutely understand wholeheartedly that we have a continual request and we’re going through the evaluation of ‘Do we broaden the state of emergency?’” he said.
“But really and truly, we want to do it and we want to be prudent about how we do this. We can add others at a later time.”
National Weather Service meteorologist Nick Webb described flood threats Thursday on MetroNews’ “Talkline.”
“The Ohio River is up, and unfortunately it’s got a ways to go,” Webb said. “River flood warnings are up from the northern panhandle counties down through Willow Island, Marietta-Parkersburg, Belleville, Racine locks, Pomeroy and Point Pleasant. And up and down there, most locations can expect at least a moderate flood.”
West Virginia’s northern panhandle could be particularly hard hit by high water, he said. The heaviest flooding was expected tonight but could extend into Friday morning.
“We’re already up really high,” Webb said, “and we’ve still got a ways to go.”
