Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a State of Emergency in Braxton, Webster and Wood counties on July 13 in response to the heavy rain fall and sever weather earlier this week. The state of emergency mobilized 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 because of major storm events.

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.

“Areas of our state have experienced rockslides, mudslides and severe flooding as a result of major storms and substantial rainfall,” 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.”

Tomblin is encouraging citizens to prepare for flooding and other weather related disasters.

The State of Preparedness statue was passed last year to allow the governor to mobilize necessary resources in advance of predicted severe weather or large-scale threats. The powers are similar to those involved in a State of Emergency but allow for additional preparations in advance of the expected event.

“I encourage West Virginians to gather supplies necessary to prepare for flooding, power outages, downed electric lines and downed trees,” Tomblin said. “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.”

THere has been reports of standing water in major streets of Huntington. Marshall students and city residence should remain aware of weather situations and how to stay safe.

Britanie Morgan can be contacted at [email protected]