CHARLESTON — Gov. Patrick Morrisey joined family and friends Thursday to celebrate the 107th birthday of Virginia Elva Cadd, who is believed to be West Virginia’s oldest living citizen.
State recognition for a rare milestone
The gathering in Charleston brought together relatives and local acquaintances to mark a longevity milestone that places Cadd among a small number of centenarians statewide. Officials identified her as the state’s oldest living resident based on available records.
Gov. Morrisey’s presence at the event underscores the public interest often accorded to such milestones. Attendance by the governor at a private celebration is a symbolic recognition of long life and service in the community.
Public-safety notice: Flood watch in effect
Separately, the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch in effect through Friday evening that includes numerous West Virginia counties. The advisory warns of the potential for flash flooding from rounds of thunderstorms and heavy downpours.
- What the watch means: Heavy rainfall could cause rapid rises in rivers, creeks and streams and flooding in low-lying areas.
- Where it applies: Multiple northern, central and southern counties across West Virginia are included in the watch.
- When it ends: The watch remains in effect through Friday evening.
Residents in affected areas were advised to monitor updates from the National Weather Service and be prepared to take action if Flash Flood Warnings are issued.
| Selected West Virginia counties under the watch |
|---|
| Barbour, Boone, Braxton, Cabell, Calhoun, Clay, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison |
| Jackson, Kanawha, Lewis, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, McDowell, Mingo, Pleasants |
| Putnam, Ritchie, Roane, Taylor, Tyler, Upshur, Wayne, Wirt, Wood, Wyoming |
| Additional northwest, southeast and other counties listed by the NWS |
Community context and practical considerations
Celebrations for centenarians often draw public attention, in part because they highlight demographic trends and prompt conversations about health care, family and community support for older residents. While details about Cadd’s life, health or activities were not included in the initial notice, marking a 107th birthday places her among a very small cohort of Americans who reach such an age.
For residents in the flood watch area, the timing of severe-weather guidance is important. The National Weather Service noted that area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with additional heavy rain, and that excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and flood-prone locations.
Local emergency management officials typically recommend that residents take several precautionary steps:
- Monitor local forecasts and weather alerts via the National Weather Service and local media.
- Avoid driving through flooded roadways; turn around, don’t drown.
- Prepare an emergency kit and review family evacuation plans if you live in flood-prone areas.
What’s next
Officials and family members have described the birthday observance as a celebration of longevity and community. State and local authorities will continue to communicate any weather-related warnings through Friday evening as conditions evolve.
Further information on flood safety and any subsequent warnings is available from the National Weather Service’s Charleston office and its online resources.
Colton Ferris is the state correspondent for WE NEWS. This report is based on an event notice and National Weather Service advisories issued Thursday.
