West Virginia under State of Emergency following torrential rainstorms

The National Weather Service has confirmed that at least five tornadoes touched down across West Virginia and southeastern Ohio during the severe weather system that caused deadly flash flooding and mudslides last Tuesday.

At least two people were killed, more than 950 households reported damage, hundreds of National Guard members were deployed, and emergency crews conducted dozens of rescues.

Direct Relief has contacted the West Virginia Primary Care Association to provide assistance to health centers and clinics affected by the storms. An emergency medical shipment was deployed to Belington Community Medical Services and includes glucose monitoring and Liquid I.V. Direct Relief has also shipped emergency medical backpacks and hygiene kits to affected areas.

Power outages, flooded roads, and damaged housing can create hazardous conditions for vulnerable people, especially those with chronic conditions. Outages can compromise temperature-sensitive medicines, including insulin, while blocked roads can prevent patients and healthcare workers from reaching clinics. Damage to communications and electronic systems can also make it more difficult for providers to access patient records.

Preliminary NWS surveys indicated that the tornadoes rated from EF0 and EF2 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale. EF2 tornadoes have winds up to 135 miles per hour. Two of the EF2 tornadoes last Tuesday had damage paths of approximately 12 miles, and one of the EF1 storms had a damage path of about 24 miles, according to NWS.

The most significant flooding occurred in Lewis, Upshur and Randolph counties, where 4 to nearly 8 inches of rain fell. Floodwaters inundated homes and businesses, made roads impassable and washed out transportation infrastructure.

More than 12,000 customers were without power Wednesday. By Thursday, the number had fallen to roughly 6,100 as utility crews continued restoration work.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency Tuesday evening. On Saturday, he requested an expedited federal major disaster declaration covering seven counties.