Governor Tomblin Declares State of Emergency in Braxton, Webster and Wood Counties

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (July 13, 2015) – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today declared a State of Emergency in Braxton, Webster and Wood counties, 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: click here.

 

To read the State of Preparedness proclamation in its entirety, click here​.