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PARKERSBURG – Governor Jim Justice has declared a state of emergency for West Virginia’s 55 counties due to the growing threat of flash flooding and severe storms from Tropical Depression Ida.
“All West Virginia absolutely needs to be prepared for the potential impact Ida could bring to our state,” Justice said in a statement from his office. “West Virginia should pay special attention to emergency officials and the media. And please: don’t put yourself, your loved ones, or our first responders at risk by trying to cross the flood waters. “
According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a nearby cold front and the imminent arrival of Ida will begin to trigger periods of moderate to heavy rain today.
Locally, flash flood watch is in effect for Wood, Wirt, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmler, Jackson, Pleasants, Ritchie, Roane and Tyler counties until 8 p.m. Wednesday. The weather service says rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected, up to 6 inches in some areas.
With the recent heavy rains, soils and rivers are ready for potential flooding, according to the statement from the governor’s office.
Emergency declaration allows state agencies to coordinate ahead of a possible weather event, including by pre-positioning personnel, vehicles, equipment, and other assets.
West Virginia National Guard coordinates with the State Emergency Operations Center to strategically position multiple community assistance teams and liaison teams “To adopt a proactive posture of assistance to local communities as soon as possible if we are called upon to do so”, said Lieutenant Colonel Walter “Wally” Hatfield, Director of Operations.
“Gov. Justice initially authorized state active service status for up to 60 guards, and we are ready to activate as many as necessary if conditions deteriorate rapidly ”, he said. “Our top priority is always the safety and survival of our compatriots in West Virginia, and we will do our utmost to meet any challenges Mother Nature may throw at us within the next 72 to 96 hours.”
West Virginia’s Emergency Management Division conducts twice-daily virtual briefings with the National Weather Service for county and local emergency agencies across the state to provide the latest forecasts and updates operational operations of Ida.
District engineers and managers from the 10 districts of the West Virginia Freeways Division met with county administrators to brief them and ensure all counties are prepared for heavy rainfall. Employees will be on standby 24 hours a day for the duration of the weather event.
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