State of Emergency declared for all 55 WV counties, Presidential Emergency Declaration approved by the president

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - UPDATE (1/24/2026) In a post on Truth Social President Donald Trump approved emergency declarations for 10 states ahead of the severe winter weather and West Virginia is one of them.

Friday Governor Patrick Morrisey requested one as he declared a state of emergency for all 55 counties in West Virginia.

UPDATE (1/23 at 10:50 p.m.) - Governor Morrisey has now asked President Donald Trump to issue a Presidential Emergency Disaster Declaration for West Virginia.

A press release says that, after consultation with FEMA and Federal Homeland Security, it was determined that a Presidential Emergency Declaration was appropriate because it would allow federal authorities to stage assets in advance of the storm. It would also allow the federal government to deliver assistance at an accelerated rate should the conditions dictate.

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ORIGINAL STORY - Governor Patrick Morrisey has declared a State of Emergency for each of West Virginia’s 55 counties.

The declaration comes on the eve of a massive winter storm expected to cross the state this weekend.

The National Weather Service is forecasting snow accumulations of nine to twelve inches, along with ice accumulations of approximately two-tenths of an inch, beginning Saturday, January 24, 2026, and continuing through Monday, January 26, 2026

Governor Morrisey urges West Virginians to closely monitor weather conditions, avoid travel if possible, and follow any guidance or instructions issued by state and local emergency management officials.

Stay connected with WDTV on-air and online for the latest on the winter storm - we will have continuous coverage all throughout the weekend on our Facebook page as well.