Youngkin says no current plans for a special session as Virginia works toward recovery post-Helene

Flood aftermath resources: Here’s how to help.

A large portion of the critical infrastructure in Southwest Virginia that had been knocked out by widespread flooding and wind damage due to remnants of Hurricane Helene has been repaired or brought back online, Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Tuesday.

But work toward total recovery in the region is far from over. 

“We’ve got a lot of work to do. This is not going to be a 10-day, two-week process, but the initial hurdle of getting electricity back on and water reconnected for people and communications back up and to make sure that these basics are provided for, I feel like we’re in pretty good shape today,” he said. 

No current plans for a special session to address needs for Helene recovery

Youngkin said Tuesday that he did not think he would be calling for a special session of the General Assembly to focus on legislation that would support homeowners and businesses as they rebuild. 

“That doesn’t mean that I won’t,” he said. “I do believe that we have what we need for now, and if I need help, I don’t think I would hesitate for a minute to call people back together.”

He noted that his office is still waiting for a solid estimate on the total economic impact of the storm on Southwest Virginia. 

Del. Will Morefield, R-Tazewell County, said in a statement Monday that he plans to seek state support for victims of the storm if the Federal Emergency Management Agency fails to provide significant support for localities and individuals who withstood the most extensive damage. He plans to do so through legislation that he is prepared to introduce in the upcoming regular General Assembly session. That session is slated to convene in January. 

Morefield was the driving force behind securing assistance for residents following floods that devastated the Buchanan County communities of Hurley and Whitewood in 2021 and 2022. 

“The donations of food, supplies and money is helping so many, but ultimately those receiving the most damage will need significant resources to rebuild,” Morefield said. 

United Way of Southwest Virginia had received more than $250,000 in donations as of Tuesday afternoon. People interested in donating to the flood relief efforts through the nonprofit can do so here. 

Update on the number of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed

The number of homes and businesses that were damaged or destroyed by the remnants of Helene has risen since Friday. As of Tuesday, federal, state and local emergency management agencies had determined that 643 homes had been damaged. That number includes 47 homes that were destroyed, 197 that sustained major damage, 172 that sustained minor damage and 227 that were affected. 

The number of businesses, from small businesses up to large manufacturers, that were determined to be damaged or destroyed had also increased from 83 on Friday to 99 on Tuesday. That number includes four businesses that were destroyed, 27 that sustained major damage, 29 that sustained minor damage and 39 that were affected. 

Those numbers are expected to continue to rise as agencies continue assessments. 

For Virginians experiencing job loss due to Helene, Youngkin directed them to call the Virginia Employment Commission to apply for assistance. 

“Even if they’re self-employed, that is the first step,” Youngkin said. “There is federal support as well for the self-employed, they need to start with the Virginia Employment Commission.”

The VEC is also canvassing the area to reach people, he said. 

An update on critical infrastructure restoration

Less than 200 customers in Southwest Virginia remained without power, down from 310,000 at the storm’s peak, Youngkin said Tuesday, 11 days after Helene ravaged the Appalachian region. 

“There’s still a couple hard-to-reach spots,” he said. 

All cellphone towers in the region were up and running as of Tuesday morning, an improvement from the 287 that were knocked out during the storm’s peak. 

Water systems are still being addressed, with 19 still under a boil-water advisory as of Tuesday, down from 35 at the peak of the storm. 

“It doesn’t mean the water is unusable, it means that folks have to boil it before they drink it,” Youngkin said. “That process is moving quickly in order to clear those water systems, but there has to be a series of tests that meet the Department of Health standards before they are deemed safe to drink.”

As of Tuesday, two primary roads and 16 secondary roads remained impassible, down from the 53 primary roads and 431 secondary roads that were considered impassable at the height of the storm. 

“[U.S.] 58 will continue to be a long-term project,” Youngkin said. “We’re looking for alternatives to address that major thoroughfare.” 

The stretch of U.S. 58 that has been rendered impassable due to a washout lies between Virginia 91 at Damascus and Feather Camp Road in the Konnarock area.