CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, the West Virginia National Guard, and other West Virginia State Agencies continue to monitor the large and active weather system now exiting the state.
The latest update from the National Weather Service in Charleston shows that the heaviest of the rain has ended. Rainfall amounts of 1 to 1.5 inches fell along and south of a corridor from Charleston to Huntington to Frametown, causing stream rises and street flooding. The threat from main stem river flooding is limited with this event, but is predicted to increase in the next few days.
High wind warnings remain in effect for Northern W.Va. and the Eastern Panhandle with wind advisories in effect elsewhere. Significant impacts may occur with strong winds today, especially across regions with waterlogged soil. West Virginians are encouraged to prepare for possible power outages by charging cell phones and portable chargers, recording account numbers and contact information for utility companies, and creating plans to remain in contact with family and neighbors.
The WVDHSEM Watch Center is in contact with all counties and reports no current requests or unmet needs. Morning situation reports from counties show a few mud/rock slides, which are being addressed or have already been cleared by the Division of Highways (DOH). Water is over some roadways but is beginning to recede. Isolated power outages are reported statewide with the highest impact in Kanawha County.
Areas of greatest concern for today remain in the southern counties, with Wayne County evacuating and sheltering eleven families in low-lying areas due to rising waters. County emergency management agencies are in the field now assessing property impacts and the WVDHSEM Area Liaison is working with the county agencies to assess future sheltering needs.
In the next 24-48 hours, WVDHSEM, WVNG and local emergency management agencies remain vigilant, monitoring power outages, needs for shelter and rises in main stem rivers. WVDHSEM remains in contact with county emergency management agencies and WVNG liaison officers are prepared to assist counties if needed. West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) crews stand ready to support first responders.
Drivers can stay up to date on the latest driving conditions and travel alerts by visiting www.wv511.org.
Citizens should continue to monitor their local weather situation via television, radio, and news outlets, the National Weather Service, and by following WVDHSEM on social media. WVDHSEM will be posting important safety messages this week as conditions develop to the WVDHSEM Facebook and Twitter pages at: https://www.facebook.com/WVDHSEM/ and https://twitter.com/WVDHSEM.
For the most up-to-date information on Watches, Warnings and Advisories for West Virginia, visit https://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wv.php?x=1.
For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, storms, and flooding:
- Shelters and disaster information by county: www.redcross.org/local/west-virginia/get-help.html
- FEMA Winter: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather
- FEMA Flooding: https://www.ready.gov/floods
- Red Cross Winter: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html
- Red Cross Flooding: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/flood.html
- Weather.gov Ice Storms: https://www.weather.gov/safety/winter-ice-frost
- Road Conditions and Travel Information: www.wv511.org
