| THUR. 1:30 PM - Major flooding in Spencer and several areas of Roane Co. has caused evacuations and rescue efforts after heavy downpours earlier today.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has declared Roane a disaster area and the WV National Guard is responding for clean-up.
The US 119 bypass in Spencer was covered with water, likely for the first time in forty years, according to Spencer Mayor, Terry Williams.
Williams said residents of Mar-Cap Manor on Market Street are being evacuated and taken to a shelter set-up at the former National Guard Armory.
Dozens of homes in the Alvord section and other areas have flooded and many residents being rescued.
Customers at the WalMart shopping complex have been trapped for several hours.
Several businesses have been flooded, including Southern States and Willard Starcher's.
Water surrounded Roane County's 911 Center.
Photos to follow.
ORIGINAL STORY 10:30 AM THURSDAY - Roane Co. emergency services have been responding to water rescue starting about 8:30 a.m. Thursday following heavy rain.
The rescues were on Clay Road in Looneyville, Arnoldsburg Road in Spencer, Round Knob Road in Spencer and Little Lefthand Road in Amma, according to news reports.
Reports say its swift, quick-rising water.
A flash flood WARNING has been extend to 3:15 pm Thursday, including Calhoun Co.
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