Gov. Patrick Morrisey says his office is “closely monitoring” the storm that brought hard rain and flash flooding to parts of West Virginia beginning Sunday evening. An emergency declaration due severe storms and flooding in July remains in effect throughout the state until Aug. 20, will allow the state to respond to severe weather in affected communities, the governor said. Morrisey previously extended the state of emergency through Sept. 12 for 12 counties in the state. 

“Please stay off flooded roads, never attempt to drive through high water, and give our first responders the room they need to do their jobs safely,” Morrisey said on the social media platform X Sunday night. 

“We are praying for everyone in harm’s way and for the first responders working through the night to keep West Virginians safe,” he said. 

According to the National Weather Service, more than 4 inches of rain fell at Yeager Airport in Charleston on Sunday, leading to reports of high water throughout Kanawha County, including Cross Lanes and Cabin Creek. Flooding was also reported in Fayette County, Braxton County and Nicholas County, said Simone Lewis, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Charleston.

More storms and rain in the forecast Monday could lead to more flooding, Lewis said. 

“We’re expecting more showers and storms to develop today, particularly this afternoon into the early evening,” Lewis said. “With the ground being as wet as it is, and a lot of the area creeks and streams running high, we do have the threat for flash flooding continuing through late tonight.”

After Monday, there will be a break in the rain this week with an occasional shower, she said. 

“People who are in flood-prone locations (shouldn’t) let their guard down,” Lewis said. “Monday is another day to kind of keep an eye out for the potential of flooding.”

This is a developing story and may be updated. 

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