ST. MARYS, W.Va. (WVDN) – Governor Patrick Morrisey traveled to Pleasants and Lewis counties to meet with local officials, first responders, volunteers, and residents and see firsthand the progress being made as communities recover from this week’s devastating storms, flooding, and tornadoes.
“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight, but every day we’re seeing meaningful progress because West Virginians continue stepping up to help one another,” said Governor Morrisey. “State agencies, local officials, first responders, volunteers, and our federal partners continue working side by side, and we’re committed to helping every affected community recover and rebuild.”
The Governor began the day in St. Marys, where he visited tornado-impacted areas alongside State Senator Trenton Barnhart, local officials, and emergency response leaders. He met with residents, viewed damage firsthand, and received updates on recovery efforts in Pleasants County. He later traveled to Weston, where he met with volunteers, first responders, and local leaders at the multi-agency warehouse and distribution center established at a former grocery store that continues serving as a hub for relief supplies and recovery operations.
Recovery efforts continue across affected communities as state agencies coordinate debris removal, damage assessments, infrastructure repairs, public health initiatives, and assistance to residents.
The West Virginia National Guard continues supporting recovery operations with 234 personnel and 64 vehicles deployed across affected communities. Recovery teams have now cleared more than 1,350 tons of debris, assessed approximately 737 damaged homes in Lewis and Upshur counties, and expanded debris-clearing operations into Pleasants County.
The West Virginia Division of Highways continues cleanup and repair efforts with approximately 2,300 employees and 1,000 pieces of equipment deployed statewide. Crews remain focused on debris removal, bridge inspections, roadway repairs, and restoring transportation infrastructure in affected communities. Meanwhile, the Division of Natural Resources continues checking on impacted people, removing flooded vehicles and heavy debris from streams and rivers, delivering general and medical supplies, assisting with traffic control at distribution sites, and supporting recovery operations throughout the affected communities. The Department of Environmental Protection has mobilized 143 personnel, deployed 141 vehicles and pieces of equipment, completed 552 inspections and investigations, and continues supporting debris management operations in affected counties.
Public health officials continue operating vaccination clinics, assisting communities with water system restoration, and coordinating the delivery of medical supplies where needed. Volunteer organizations, churches, nonprofit partners, and first responders also continue distributing food and supplies, assisting with cleanup, and supporting families as they begin the long recovery process. Only one emergency shelter remains open, serving three residents, while muck-out teams and volunteer cleanup crews continue working in the hardest-hit communities.
“We’ve witnessed remarkable determination from the people of these communities,” said Governor Morrisey. “Whether it’s a first responder, a National Guard member, a volunteer serving meals, or a neighbor helping clear debris, every person is making a difference. The State of West Virginia will continue standing with these communities every step of the way.”
