State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia After Severe Storms and Flooding
State of Emergency Declared in West Virginia After Severe Storms and Flooding
US · Published Aug 21, 2026
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties in the state following a new wave of severe storms that occurred between August 16 and August 18,
These storms brought excessive rainfall, flash flooding, mudslides, and damaging winds, causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The declaration, issued on August 18, will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated earlier. This new emergency declaration is separate from a previous one issued on July 21, which remains active in 12 counties still recovering from earlier storms. The West Virginia Emergency Management Division and other state agencies are working with local and federal partners to provide relief and assess damages. [Source: Program Business, published on 2026-08-20 at 13:00:17 GMT]

Impact & Risks

The severe storms have caused widespread damage across West Virginia, including flash flooding, mudslides, and destruction of homes and public infrastructure. Many communities are still recovering from the previous storms in July, and the latest weather events have exacerbated the situation. Emergency responders have been conducting water rescues, and the state is mobilizing resources to address immediate needs and support recovery efforts. The declaration provides state and local agencies with the flexibility to respond quickly and effectively to the crisis.

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