WV and National Disaster News - March 24, 2023

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WEST VIRGINIA
 
Weather ALERT - Governor issues State of Preparedness ahead of heavy rain, high wind storm (MetroNews-Radio), also see: WV Public Broadcasting

Learn what to do Before, During and After Flood, see link to:  FEMA's Flood  Fact Sheet
 
Fire

• ​Roadway closes in Mason County as emergency crews battle brushfire  (WCHS-TV)

• Electrical infrastructure: Important upgrade coming to region  (Bluefield Daily Telegraph)
• Federal money earmarked for 8 WV Highway Projects  (The Register-Herald)

Pandemic Relief 

• ​Unite Us WV Provides Assistance During Rollback of Pandemic Benefits  (West Virginia Public Broadcasting-Radio) - Now that the state public health emergency has ended, monthly SNAP benefits have returned to the pre-COVID-19 public health emergency level based on the household's income, assets, household size, and other non-financial factors.

NATIONAL NEWS
 
Weather ALERT
More than 20 million people from Oklahoma to West Virginia under flood watches as storm brings torrential rain (CNN) – CNN reports heavy rainfall, tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail are all possible. Flash flooding is weather's No. 2 killer and can happen anywhere rain falls faster than it can be absorbed, which is the scenario into the weekend. The article says flash flooding claims more lives than anything but heat and looks at the different types of flash flooding including debris flows in burn scar areas and levee or dam failures. Related news: AccuWeather and The Weather Channel

Storm Recovery

• 'There's a Lot of Pain': Sadness, Anger as Pajaro Residents Return Following Flooding     (NBC Bay Area)
• Storm train to keep rolling through California next week  (AccuWeather)
• Several Nevada counties estimate storm damage totals over $20 million  (KOLO 8 – Nevada)
• Hurricane Ian recovery: FEMA approves $14 million for Lee County schools, sheriff (NewsPress.com - Florida)
• FEMA opening local offices for He​rmits Peak/Calf Canyon claims (Sante Fe New Mexican)​