DHSEM WVNG Joint Update on Flood Response

2/13/2020

CHARLESTON, WV – Since Governor Jim Justice ordered activation of the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on February 12, the WV Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (WVDHSEM) has received reports from all counties.

As of 6:00 a.m., the SEOC is at the Partial Activation level, an increase from yesterday’s Enhanced Watch. When at Partial Activation, the SEOC is staffed by WVDHSEM, West Virginia National Guard (WVNG) and partner agencies whose assistance is essential to the event.

Agencies coordinating emergency response during this event include the Office of the Governor, WVDHSEM, WVNG, Intelligence/Fusion Center, and Division of Highways (DOH), along with Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (VOAD), FEMA Region III, and the National Weather Service.

Over the next 24 hours, WVDHSEM and the WVNG will continue to monitor weather, water levels and road closures, assure emergency communications through the State Interoperable Radio Network (SIRN), and respond to resource requests from local emergency management agencies.

At this time, there are no requests for resources.

The WVNG Swift Water Rescue and Liaison Officer (LNO) teams dispatched on February 12 have been recalled today. Four LNO teams and four Community Assistance Teams will remain on a four-hour recall throughout the duration of the weather event.

The DOH reports road closures in 14 counties as a result of this event. Check www.wv511.org for road conditions.

The NWS advises the main impacts going forward will be high water levels on tributaries of the Ohio River affecting low lying roads today, with the Ohio River rising above flood stage below Racine Lock and cresting late Friday into Saturday morning. Gusty winds may cause tree falls resulting in isolated power outages, and as temperatures drop below freezing overnight, icy spots could develop causing travel issues on Friday morning.

FEMA Liaison Officers stationed in the SEOC provide regular updates to FEMA Region III and Administrator Mary Ann Tierney in the event federal assistance is needed.

Governor Justice asks that all West Virginians remain attentive to weather conditions through local media reports and be sure to follow any instructions issued by emergency officials. For updates, follow DHSEM on social media https://www.facebook.com/WVDHSEM/ and https://twitter.com/WVDHSEM.

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For more information, contact the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Public Information Officer Lora Lipscomb at: (304) 558-5380 or email: lora.d.lipscomb@wv.gov or the West Virginia National Guard Public Affairs Office at: (304) 561-6762 or email: holli.r.nelson.mil@mail.mil.

Contact Information

Lora Lipscomb, WVDHSEM Public Information Officer