For Immediate Release 7/28/2022
Contact(s):
Wise County Office of Emergency Management, Ph: 276-328-7110;
Email: smith_s@wisecounty.org
Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Email: vdemregioniv@vdem.virginia.org
Wise County, VA Declares Local State of Emergency in Response to Severe Flooding Event
At 7 AM, July 28, 2022 a local State of Emergency was declared by Wise County, VA officials in response to significant rainfall and flooding in the area. National Weather Service (NWS), Morristown reports approximately 6 inches of rain have fallen in some areas of the county since midnight. The locality has requested a State of Emergency be declared by the Commonwealth Virginia to mobilize additional resources to respond to this event.
Areas of Wise County experiencing significant flooding include:
- The Town of Pound, primarily Pound Bottom/Main Street, North Fork, and South Fork
- Bondtown and Tom’s Creek areas of Coeburn
- Town of Wise Main Street and Birchfield
Additional roadways across the county are impassable due to standing water, mudslides, downed trees, and other debris. Many reports of water entering homes have been received by the Wise County Sheriff’s Office. Fire Departments across Wise County have been activated for event evaluations, evacuations, and road closures.
Appalachia Swift Water Rescue Team is currently conducting evacuations and rescues in the affected areas. The Virginia Swift Water Rescue Team and the Bristol Swift Water Rescue Team are also en route to assist with evacuation efforts.
Wise County Hazmat Team has been deployed for multiple incidents with fuel tanks in the river.
Personnel from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) are on-scene and will continue to coordinate any requested resources with local emergency management officials throughout the event duration.
Emergency Shelters have been established for evacuated Wise County residents at the following locations:
- James W. Adams Elementary School, 10824 Orby Cantrell Highway, Pound, VA 24279
- Wise Volunteer Fire Department Bingo Hall, 307 Norton Rd, Wise, VA 24293
- Coeburn Middle School, 518 Centre Ave NE, Coeburn, VA 24230
Local Red Cross, County personnel and Department of Social Services personnel are assisting with sheltering efforts.
Residents of Pound are to be advised that the Wise County PSA has experienced a major waterline break in the Bold Camp area of Pound due to these weather events. A boil water advisory for the Bold Camp and Mill Creek areas, including PSA customers on Bold Camp Road, Right Fork Road, Meade Fork Road, McFall Fork Road, Mountain Cove Road, Gary Powers Road, River Hill Road, Little Road and Sunnydale Farm Road, is in effect until further notice.
If you are a Wise County resident who resides in a flood-prone or flood-affected area, either evacuate the area immediately if it safe to do so or be prepared to shelter in place until the water recedes. If you are experiencing an emergency, contact the Wise County Sheriff's Office by dialing 9-1-1.
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