Gov Justice declares a state of emergency for all 55 counties due to drought

In an effort to support West Virginia’s farming community, Gov. Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 counties due to a prolonged shortage of rainfall that has caused dangerous drought conditions. The Drought Monitor indicates extreme, severe and moderate drought conditions have impacted the entire state. “This drought has plagued West Virginia farmers, putting them at risk of losing everything,” Gov. Justice said. This proclamation activates the Emergency Operations Plan, instructing personnel and resources to be ready to respond to any emergencies, and granted specific administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division. This State of Emergency will remain in effect for 30 days unless terminated earlier by another proclamation.