Va., W.Va. Declare Emergencies Amid Widespread Flooding

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(TNS) — Water rescue operations were continuing Sunday and a high wind warning was issued after flash flooding occurred across the two-state region Saturday as heavy rainfall caused rivers and streams to rise and overflow.

Due to the widespread flooding, Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in 10 southern West Virginia counties, including Mercer and McDowell ordering personnel and resources to mobilize and respond to any emergency and delegated certain administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to facilitate the provision of essential emergency services.

Meanwhile, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Monday that he submitted an Expedited Major Disaster Declaration to President Donald J. Trump to support the ongoing response and recovery efforts of communities impacted by the recent February winter storms and now the weekend flooding.

“It is heartbreaking to see our region once again devastated by flooding,” Delegate James W. “Will” Morefield, R-Tazewell, said. “All state resources have been made available to help assist local EMS responders. We have been in constant contact with the governor, state agencies, and local officials. I want everyone to be assured that we will make every effort to help those impacted by the recent flooding just as we did for the flood victims in previous years. This will be a long and pain staking recovery but Southwest Virginia will prevail.”

A state of emergency also was declared by the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors for Tazewell County, Va.

A flash flood warning issued by the National Weather Service was still in effect Monday for parts of the region, including Mercer County.

The Mercer County Office of Emergency Management reported that the Bluestone River had hit an historic high of 20 feet in the Spanishburg area of Mercer County. This was 2 feet above major flood stage. Water rescues were underway in the Lake Bottom and Matoaka areas. Mercer County first responders were being assisted by water rescue teams from Fayette County and Kanawha County.

An emergency evacuation shelter had opened at the Lifeline Church of God at 250 Oakvale Road near Princeton, according to the church’s Facebook page.

Northbound traffic on Interstate 77 in Mercer County was halted when a sinkhole appeared at the 8.5 mile marker, according the Mercer County Office of Emergency Management. A vehicle crash was reported there at 9:44 a.m. and the right lane was still impacted.

Between 1 to 2 inches of new rainfall has already fallen on grounds that were already soaked from snow melt and rain earlier in the week. Flash flooding has been reported across the region, including in parts of Mercer, Tazewell and McDowell counties.

According to the National Weather Service in Blacksburg, Va., emergency management officials have reported extensive flash flooding across the region. Numerous roads are flooded due to rivers and creeks out of their banks, with some swift water rescues reportedly occurring.

While heavy rain is exiting the area, rivers and creeks continued to rise into late Saturday night and Sunday morning, according to the flood warning.

Rivers where flooding has been reported include the Bluestone River and the Clinch River.

Adding to the region’s weather woes is the possibility of another winter storm by Wednesday. Some snow also is expected Sunday evening.

In Tazewell County, Va., an emergency shelter was opened at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds, according to the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office. People needing transportation to the emergency flood shelter can call the following non-emergency number (276) 988-0645. Call 911 only n the case of an emergency.

In Richlands, Va. the Clinch River had risen and several roads were blocked. People with any non-emergency flood-related issues or concerns can call a hotline as a central point for information and to report issues. The number is 276-988-5366.

In Buchanan County, Va., the Buchanan County Sheriff’s Office was responding to several emergency calls due to the flooding.

Areas affected by flooding included the Grundy, Vansant, Prater Davenport, Rocklick, Slate Creek, Oakwood and Hurley areas. Many of these areas are still inaccessible due to high water and road blockage.

Swift water rescue teams were operating in the Rocklick, Slate Creek and Hurley areas. Virginia State Police, Virginia Department of Emergency Management and area fire departments and EMS agencies were assisting in the search and rescue operations. More emergency resources from throughout the state were in route to Buchanan County, Va.