ALDERSON, WV (WOAY) – Gov. Jim Justice has issued a state of emergency for Monroe County due to flash flooding.
Between approximately 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2020 about 2.5 inches of water fell on Alderson and the immediate area. This flash flooding overwhelmed the drains; flooded the streets; and pooled in all low areas. The small creek on the Monroe County side became a rushing torrent as water collected from Dark Hollow and Flat Mountain.
Mayor Travis Copenhaver declared a local state of emergency and contacted the offices of Emergency Management in both Greenbrier and Monroe Counties asking them to request a similar declaration through their County Commissions.
At least one water rescue was performed by the Union Volunteer Fire Department while the Alderson Volunteer Fire Department was on another call. However, it does not appear that there is a need to open the Alderson Community Center as an emergency shelter.
Early assessments indicate that at least 25 homes were damaged on the Monroe County side of Alderson and assessment is on-going on the Greenbrier County side.
Jeff Jones, Director of the Monroe County Office of Emergency Services, was on site quickly and began checking on areas outside the town limits.
Mayor Copenhaver said, “The Department of Highways crew from Monroe County has been outstanding in dealing with the mud slide near the front gates of the Federal Prison Camp. In fact, all the local volunteer fire departments, town staff, police, and many others have stepped up to help get a handle on this situation. We are just grateful that there were no serious injuries.”
