West Virginia Flooding News - July 2016: More Rain, Flash Floods & Storms Possible During Holiday Weekend; Aid Starts Pouring In
Storm ravaged West Virginia area residents are bracing for the threat of more rain and flooding over the July 4, holiday weekend.
As many as 26 people have already perished in recent flooding across the area, reported to be the third deadliest in state history.
On Friday, July 1, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warnings for parts of the central Plains that could span as far as the Appalachian Valley and the West Virginia area by Independence Day.
Help has Arrived
Meanwhile, aid and resources have already started to pour into the state in the wake of last weekend's storms, which have caused thousands to evacuate their homes, destroyed hundreds of other properties and washed away countless roads and bridges.
West Virginian born country music stars Brad Paisley and Billy Ray Cyrus are helping to raise funds for the victims along with golfer Bubba Watson. Paisley started his campaign by launching a GoFundMe account and making a donation of $100,000.
"Now that the waters are receding it's time to pitch in and help in any way we can," he said. "One of the best ways I have found that hopefully will raise the largest amount of money the quickest and get it to the people in need the fastest is through GoFundMe. I have set a goal of $1 million.
'Rebuild West Virginia' Fundraiser in the Works
Over the weekend, Cyrus is on tap to take part in the "Rebuild West Virginia" fundraising telethon. Others confirmed to take part are actor Kevin Sizemore, former NBA star Bimbo Coles, "America's Got Talent" winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., and best-selling author Homer Hickam.
Watson, who owns a home at the Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, said he and his wife plan to donate $250,000.
Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has also started to dispatch hundreds of volunteer workers to the area. Federal aid has also been made available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
"We just hope that by providing a good meal and a comfortable and safe place to spend the night that we can help ease the pain just a little to those who are suffering so much from this unbelievable disaster," said Greenbrier Resort CEO Jim Justice, noting that more than 200 victims are now residing at the resort's luxury facility in nearby White Sulphur.
The resort was slated to host a PGA Tour event this month that has now been canceled as Justice and others focus their attention on such endeavors as "The Greenbrier's Neighbors Loving Neighbors" campaign dedicated to collecting food and money for all the victims.
Authorities indicated all the flooding was particularly made severe due to a phenomenon known as "training," where all the thunderstorms line up over the same location like the cars of a freight train. The onslaught of high waters than rip through vulnerable targets with great force and precision.
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