Justice issues state of emergency in connection with drought conditions – WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has declared a state emergency for all 55 counties because of drought conditions.

A Friday afternoon news release from the governor’s office said the proclamation was made in an effort to support West Virginia’s farming community.

“This drought has plagued West Virginia farmers, putting them at risk of losing everything,” Justice said. “We cannot and will not stand by and watch our hardworking farmers suffer from this severe lack of rain. We understand the immense stress and hardship this drought has caused. Right now, our Emergency Management Division is working tirelessly to secure disaster assistance for those in need. Until then, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our agricultural community during this challenging time.”

Justice, who himself has had a lot of experience with farming having owned and worked some of the largest farming operations east of the Mississippi River, has mentioned the dry conditions during several of his media briefings this summer. He has now activated the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.

MORE See current map of drought conditions

The activation instructs “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 to ensure essential emergency services are provided efficiently.”

It is especially dry in the Eastern Panhandle, state Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt said last week.

“Right now the dryness in Jefferson County is the second worst in 130 years and Berkeley County and Morgan County it’s the third worst in 130 years,” Leonhardt said. “This is is a little more serious than we’re used to seeing.”

Leonhardt said if the drought conditions continue, it will continue to impact producing crops as well as those making hay for livestock.

“This is going to hurt second and third cutting of hay,” he said. “We’re going to end up with, maybe not as much volume. It’s one of those variables that we can’t control.”

According to the National Weather Service, Eastern Panhandle counties are considered to be under severe drought, the Northern Panhandle, Central West Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley are under moderate drought while the Huntington-Charleston corridor is considered abnormally dry.

Justice’s state of emergency proclamation for expire in 30 days unless Justice issues a new one.