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ST. MARYS - Roads are blocked and power is out as the region works to recover from heavy storms that struck Tuesday, including reports of possible tornadoes in Pleasants County.
"It hasn't been confirmed, but it possibly could have been two tornadoes," said Dan Greenleaf, Pleasants County 911 director.
The National Weather Service is expected to send a team to the area in the days ahead to survey the damage and determine whether a tornado occurred, he said.
Greenleaf said no injuries were reported during severe weather Tuesday afternoon and evening beyond routine EMS calls. This morning, the West Virginia Division of Highways is working to clear debris from roadways and MonPower crews are attempting to restore electricity, as more than 2,000 residents are without power.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a state of emergency in all 55 counties Tuesday night after earlier in the day announcing a state of preparedness ahead of the forecast storms.
"Many West Virginians are helping communities deal with flooding, property damage, and dangerous conditions tonight," Morrisey said in a release from his office. "State and local emergency officials are working to assist those affected, and this declaration ensures we can quickly deploy resources wherever help is needed. I urge every West Virginian to exercise an abundance of caution, stay off flooded roadways, monitor local forecasts, and follow the direction of emergency officials."
In Ohio, the Washington County Sheriff's Office announced on its Facebook page Tuesday night that multiple roads were closed as a result of the storm.
"All County Roads in Fearing, Lawrence, Newport, Independence, and Grandview Townships will be 1 lane only due to heavy debris," the post said. "Several areas affected by high water are unmarked due to crews being unable to gain access to these areas."