All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

State of Emergency: Governor asks West Virginians to voluntarily reduce water usage due to drought

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to a prolonged shortage of rainfall that has caused moderate drought conditions across much of the state and severe drought conditions in southern West Virginia.

Statewide, over the past 90 days, West Virginia has received 2-5 inches less rainfall than normal, with some pockets of 5-7-inch rainfall deficits across the southern half of the state.

As a result, numerous rivers, lakes, and streams are experiencing extremely low water levels; lowering harvest amounts, limiting water supplies for livestock, and increasing the risk of forest fires, among other potential dangers.

This State of Emergency follows a proclamation, issued by Justice on Sept. 20 and amended on Sept. 23, which bans all outdoor burning throughout the state with limited exceptions. The burning ban is still in effect.

Drought conditions in all 55 counties are forecast to escalate.

As part of Thursday’s State of Emergency, the Governor has directed state officials to:

  • Implement the West Virginia Emergency Operations Plan as it relates to drought emergency response.
  • Place the state Emergency Operations Center in a stand-by status, unless activation is deemed necessary and appropriate.
  • Restrict the use of water for the purposes of dust control at construction and industrial sites, except as required under terms of permits issued for the same.
  • Monitor existing water sources for the presence of contaminants, including harmful algae blooms, which tend to propagate more readily in warmer and shallower waters.

Gov. Justice has also issued voluntary guidelines for the residents of West Virginia to:

  • Cease non-agricultural irrigation in the state, including those for strictly recreational purposes.
  • Limit washing or cleaning vehicles and/or structures where not otherwise required by law.
  • Limit use of public drinking water systems to minimal standards for good personal hygiene, food preparation, laundry, livestock, and pets, and other reasonable purposes.
  • Cease the filling of private swimming pools.

The State of Emergency will remain in effect until rescinded by further proclamation.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.