Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding that knocked homes off their foundations and washed out roads in several mountainous counties of West Virginia, and some state lawmakers asked the governor on Sunday to declare a state of emergency.
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning for portions of northern and eastern West Virginia after several inches of rain fell rapidly on Saturday night. High water and mudslides forces several roads to be closed, including four-lane U.S. Route 33.
There were no immediate reports of any deaths or injuries.
In a letter Sunday afternoon, senators and delegates representing Pendleton, Preston, Randolph and Tucker counties asking Gov. Jim Justice to respond quickly to the flooding. An emergency declaration would allow counties to use state resources to respond to flood-hit areas.
“Although it is too early to get a true picture of all the damage and the estimated cost of repairs, it is apparent that it is extensive,” said state Sen. Bill Hamilton, whose multi-county district includes Pendleton and Randolph counties. “Roads and bridges destroyed, homes, schools, farms and businesses damaged. We respectfully request that Governor Justice declare an emergency so we can get help and funds for the people of these counties.”
The letter indicated residents needing assistance should call their county’s emergency management agency.
According to The Inter-Mountain of Elkins, the Randolph County Commission said in a statement that the flooding knocked homes off their foundations in the Harman, Job and Whitmer area of the state. It added that volunteer fire departments and swift boat rescue crews were sent to assist residents.
“Please keep the people of this area in your thoughts and prayers,” the statement said.
