West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties Tuesday night after severe thunderstorms swept across the state, triggering flash flooding, property damage and hazardous travel conditions.

State officials say emergency crews are actively responding to flood-related incidents as communities begin assessing the damage left behind by the powerful storms.

Governor Declares State of Emergency

Governor Morrisey announced the emergency declaration following reports of significant flooding across several parts of the state.

“Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight,” Governor Morrisey said in a statement.

He added that state and local emergency management agencies are working together to assist affected residents and ensure that emergency resources can be deployed quickly wherever they are needed.

The governor also urged residents to avoid flooded roadways, stay informed through local weather forecasts and follow instructions from emergency officials.

Lewis, Pleasants and Upshur Counties Among the Hardest Hit

According to the Governor’s Office, Lewis County, Pleasants County and Upshur County experienced some of the most significant flooding during the severe weather outbreak.

Emergency responders have been dealing with flooded roads, damaged infrastructure and localized property damage as heavy rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems and small streams.

Officials continue to assess the full extent of the damage, with additional reports expected as conditions improve.

State Agencies Mobilized

The emergency declaration authorizes state agencies to coordinate their response efforts and rapidly deploy personnel, equipment and emergency resources where they are needed most.

Emergency management officials remain in close contact with local authorities as response operations continue across affected communities.

The declaration is intended to streamline assistance and ensure that recovery efforts can begin as quickly as possible.

State of Preparedness Issued Before Storms Arrived

Earlier Tuesday, Governor Morrisey had already issued a State of Preparedness as meteorologists warned that severe thunderstorms capable of producing torrential rainfall and flash flooding were expected to move across West Virginia.

The proactive measure allowed emergency management agencies to prepare personnel and equipment before the worst weather arrived.

Officials say the advance preparations helped improve coordination as storm impacts began to unfold.

Emergency Declaration to Remain in Effect

The State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days, unless it is terminated earlier by the governor.

State officials continue to monitor weather conditions and are encouraging residents to remain vigilant, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding.

Drivers are reminded never to attempt to cross flooded roads, as even shallow moving water can become life-threatening.

More Rain Could Hamper Recovery Efforts

Forecasters warn that additional showers and thunderstorms could affect parts of the region over the coming days, potentially slowing recovery operations and increasing the risk of renewed flooding in already saturated areas.

Emergency management officials are urging residents to continue monitoring forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions.