State of Preparedness Declared in W.Va. Ahead of Debby

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(TNS) – West Virginia’s governor declared a State of Preparedness Thursday afternoon for all 55 counties as Tropical Storm Debby crossed over parts of the Mountain State and neighboring Virginia.

Gov. Jim Justice called for a State of Preparedness due to the rain, high winds and potential for flash flooding that the tropical storm was bringing to the region. The storm was approaching after much of the state experienced drought.

“While we need the rain in West Virginia, we need to absolutely be ready for the potential impact Tropical Storm Debby may bring,” Justice said. “I have ordered our state agencies to prepare to respond immediately if necessary. We’re ready to provide all possible resources should flooding or other weather incidents occur.”

The State of Preparedness allows the West Virginia Emergency Management Division (WVEMD) to posture personnel and resources for quick response to any emergency that may develop. Coordinating agencies have been placed on standby to report to the State Emergency Operations Center should the need arise. Justice and the WVEMD asked all West Virginians to remain attentive to weather conditions through local media reports and follow any instructions issued by emergency officials.

In Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the entire Commonwealth as forecasters warned state officials about Tropical Storm Debby’s potential for heavy rainfall and possible flash flooding.

“As we prepare for Tropical Storm Debby, I urge all Virginians and visitors to stay informed, follow local emergency guidelines, and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their families and communities,” Youngkin said then. “There is the potential for strong winds, heavy rains and possible flooding across regions of the Commonwealth,” Youngkin said. “It’s crucial that we work together and remain vigilant during these times to minimize the impact of the storm.”

The National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va. issued a flood watch for Mercer, Summers, Monroe and Greenbrier counties in West Virginia as well as Bland, Giles and Wythe counties in Virginia. Excessive rain could cause street flooding and the flooding of creeks and rivers, according to forecasters.

The flood watch was scheduled to continue until 12 a.m. Saturday.

In Raleigh County, the National Weather Service predicted a half inch of rain Thursday night followed by a tenth to a quarter-inch today except for heavier amounts during thunderstorms. The county was not included in the flood watch.

Forecasters expected Fayette County to get a half-inch of rain Thursday evening and up to a quarter inch today. Like Raleigh County, Fayette County was not included in the flood watch.

Across the state line in Tazewell, Va., the weather service expected a quarter to half-inch of rain Thursday night and a tenth to quarter-inch today except for high amounts from thunderstorms.