Gov. Patrick Morrisey (left), Brig. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, and a West Virginia State Police trooper from Morrisey’s security detail tour flood-damaged Welch, McDowell County, on Feb. 17, 2025.
The Tug Fork River is seen Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Williamson, shortly after cresting at 48.35 feet at about 2 p.m.
JARRID McCORMICK | HD Media
Gov. Patrick Morrisey (left), Brig. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard, and a West Virginia State Police trooper from Morrisey’s security detail tour flood-damaged Welch, McDowell County, on Feb. 17, 2025.
Three people died from floodwater in McDowell County, County Commissioner Michael Brooks confirmed in a livestreamed news conference Tuesday.
Earlier Tuesday, Gov. Patrick Morrisey identified two of the dead as Donald and Debbie Griffin, of Welch.
Brooks said the county has stepped up the pace of recovery efforts, with snow in the forecast for much of West Virginia beginning Wednesday.
Bobby Bowman, McDowell County 911 coordinator, said the flooding was the worst ever recorded in the county.
Recovery efforts
Almost 56,000 West Virginians have had power restored, according to Morrisey. There were 8,319 homes still without power as of Tuesday morning.
There are still major road closures in several counties. Find more information at transportation.wv.gov.
More than 250 doses of tetanus shots have been sent to Mingo and Wyoming counties. Over 67,000 bottles of water also have been shipped to the affected areas. About 5,000 residents of Mingo and McDowell counties are still without water.
Finding help
Those in McDowell County in need of help may call 888-929-4966 for nonemergency assistance. Folks interested in donating to flood-relief efforts also may call that number.
To find an emergency shelter or ways to volunteer, call the emergency management department of the affected counties.
West Virginia Attorney General JB McCuskey warned flood victims about repair work scams. Disreputable contractors might not offer contact information or identification and can use high-pressure sales tactics.
