CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in two southern counties hit by flooding from heavy rains Monday.
Justice’s declaration in Fayette and Kanawha counties allows the National Guard to respond to hard-hit areas.
The flooding led to several water rescues and damaged more than 100 homes, bridges and roads, the governor’s office said in a statement. Drinking water systems were also were disrupted and electricity was knocked out to more than 2,000 customers.
Up to 5 inches (13 centimeters) of rain fell in some areas, the National Weather Service in Charleston said.
The West Virginia Emergency Management Division said flash flooding occurred in the Kellys Creek and Campbells Creek areas of Kanawha County.
Several feet of mud made roads impassible in the Smithers area along the Fayette-Kanawha county line, the state Division of Highways said. Repairs to Cannelton Hollow Road, which leads to the Mount Olive Correctional Facility, are expected to take several days, the division said in a statement.
More rain was possible in some counties, where a flood watch was issued through Monday night, the weather service said.
