Latest news with #WestVirginiaEmergencyManagementDivision
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Morrisey declares State of Emergency in Mineral County amid severe flooding
KEYSER, (WBOY) — After severe flooding struck parts of Maryland and West Virginia's eastern panhandle Tuesday afternoon, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency in Mineral County. According to a release Tuesday night, the State of Emergency mobilizes personnel and resources to respond to Mineral County, it also allocates certain administrative powers to GE McCabe, the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD). The State of Emergency is scheduled to be in effect for 30 days unless terminated early. SEE IT: Flooding strikes Western Maryland, Eastern Panhandle Earlier in the day, Gov. Morrisey ordered the activation of the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate evacuations in Mineral County and 'fulfill any ongoing needs' that arise. Mineral County Emergency Management and 911 said in a social media post Tuesday night that Keyser received about 6.25 inches of rain over the past 24 hours. Officials requested that no organized donation drives be created until they know the extent of the damage and what is needed. An updated list of supplies will be provided here. The governor and WVEMD have asked all West Virginians to remain attentive to local weather conditions and follow any instructions relayed to them by emergency officials. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Smoke from Virginia fire seen in West Virginia
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — West Virginians as far north as Barbour County are seeing smoke from a 1,400-acre fire in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest. The fire is a contained prescribed burn near Fore Mountain in Allegheny County. Although the U.S. Forest Service warned that smoke would be likely in nearby towns, on Friday, light smoke has moved as far north as Flemington, and parts of Pocahontas and Randolph counties are seeing medium smoke, according to smoke maps. The fire is not expected to impact West Virginia beyond the light smoke, according to the West Virginia Emergency Management Division, which could affect the air quality. West Virginia eagle parents repairing second nest after losing three chicks in storm As of 9 a.m., Air quality levels are moderate in most of West Virginia, including as far north as Morgantown and as far west as Charleston, according to AirNow. At that level, air quality is considered acceptable, but some people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution could be at risk and should stay inside. A good portion of the U.S. is also experiencing smoke from other fires, including many states in the South and the Pacific Northwest. For guidance on how to keep yourself safe from smoke, click here. The smoke in West Virginia is nowhere near the level that the state experienced in 2023 from wildfires in Canada. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Two additional Disaster Recovery Centers to be opened by FEMA in southern West Virginia
WYOMING COUNTY/MINGO COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers will be opened in Wyoming and Mingo counties to help those affected by flooding. According to a press release, the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC's) will be opened at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025 in the Pineville area of Wyoming County and the Williamson area of Mingo County. FEMA Disaster Recovery Center to open in McDowell County The DRC's will be opened by the West Virginia Emergency Management Division's (WVEMD) FEMA partners, and will help renters, and home and business owners, whose property was damaged due to flooding in February 2025. The DRC in Pineville will be located at the Wyoming County Court House at 24 Main Avenue, and the Mingo County DRC location will be at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College Williamson Campus at 1601 Armory Drive in Williamson. The DRC's will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Monday through Saturday, and will be closed on Sundays. Disaster Unemployment Assistance benefits available for communities affected by storms and flooding in February 2025 People who were affected by flooding in February can go to the DRC to: Apply for FEMA assistance Check the status of an existing application Get help with appeal letters and documentation Access other state and federal recovery resources The press release stated that appointments are not needed and walk-ins are welcome. People can also apply for disaster assistance on the Disaster Assistance website, by phone at 1-800-621-3362, or through the FEMA mobile app. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Morrisey declares state of emergency in Mercer, McDowell due to flooding; Youngkin seeks federal declaration in Virginia
BLUEFIELD - Water rescue operations were continuing Sunday and a high wind warning was issued after flash flooding occurred across the two-state region Saturday as heavy rainfall caused rivers and streams to rise and overflow. Due to the widespread flooding, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 southern West Virginia counties, including Mercer and McDowell ordering personnel and resources to mobilize and respond to any emergency and delegated certain administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to facilitate the provision of essential emergency services. Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that he submitted an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to President Donald J. Trump to support the ongoing response and recovery efforts of communities impacted by the recent February winter storms and now the weekend flooding. "It is heartbreaking to see our region once again devastated by flooding," Delegate James W. "Will" Morefield, R-Tazewell, said. "All state resources have been made available to help assist local EMS responders. We have been in constant contact with the governor, state agencies, and local officials. I want everyone to be assured that we will make every effort to help those impacted by the recent flooding just as we did for the flood victims in previous years. This will be a long and pain staking recovery but Southwest Virginia will prevail." A state of emergency also was declared by the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors for Tazewell County, Va. A flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service was still in effect Monday for parts of the region, including Mercer County. The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management reported that the Bluestone River had hit an historic high of 20 feet in the Spanishburg area of Mercer County. This was 2 feet above major flood stage. Water rescues were underway in the Lake Bottom and Matoaka areas. Mercer County first responders were being assisted by water rescue teams from Fayette County and Kanawha County. An emergency evacuation shelter had opened at the Lifeline Church of God at 250 Oakvale Road near Princeton, according to the church's Facebook page, Northbound traffic on Interstate 77 in Mercer County was halted when a sinkhole appeared at the 8.5 mile marker, according the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management. A vehicle crash was reported there at 9:44 a.m. and the right lane was still impacted. Between 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall has already fallen on grounds that were already soaked from snow melt and rain earlier in the week. Flash flooding has been reported across the region, including in parts of Mercer, Tazewell and McDowell counties. According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., emergency management officials have reported extensive flash flooding across the region. Numerous roads are flooded due to rivers and creeks out of their banks, with some swift water rescues reportedly occurring. While heavy rain is exiting the area, rivers and creeks continued to rise into late Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to the flood warning. Rivers where flooding has been reported include the Bluestone River and the Clinch River. Adding to the region's weather woes is the possibility of another winter storm by Wednesday. Some snow also is expected Sunday evening. In Tazewell County, Va., an emergency shelter was opened at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds, according to the Tazewell County Sheriff's Office. People needing transportation to the emergency flood shelter can call the following non-emergency number (276) 988-0645. Call 911 only n the case of an emergency. In Richlands, Va. the Clinch River had risen and several roads were blocked. People with any non-emergency flood-related issues or concerns can call a hotline as a central point for information and to report issues. The number is 276-988-5366. In Buchanan County, Va., the Buchanan County Sheriff's Office was responding to several emergency calls due to the flooding. Areas affected by flooding included the Grundy, Vansant, Prater Davenport, Rocklick, Slate Creek, Oakwood and Hurley areas. Many of these areas are still inaccessible due to high water and road blockage. Swift water rescue teams were operating in the Rocklick, Slate Creek and Hurley areas. Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and area fire departments and EMS agencies were assisting in the search and rescue operations. More emergency resources from throughout the state were in route to Buchanan County, Va.
Yahoo
17-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
1 dead following weekend flooding in southern West Virginia
WELCH, (WBOY) — Gov. Patrick Morrisey confirmed in a press conference on Monday that at least one person is dead and that others are missing following severe flooding in the southern part of West Virginia over the weekend. Emergency officials in McDowell County confirmed that the person who died was from there. On Sunday, Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency for 13 West Virginia counties affected by the flooding, including Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming. Local organizations accepting donations for flood victims The order directs emergency personnel and resources to 'mobilize and respond to any emergency and delegated certain administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) to facilitate the provision of essential emergency services.' On Monday morning, Gov. Morrisey asked West Virginians not to drive through flooded areas, but said that the state will 'utilize every asset at our disposal to help the people in need.' As of Monday afternoon, West Virginia 511 reports that some major roads in southern West Virginia are still impassable due to high water including U.S. Route 52 in Welch and WV Route 4 in Gassaway. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
