Scattered thunderstorms that ripped through the area Wednesday have forced Gov. Joe Manchin to declare a State of Emergency in 15 West Virginia counties.

Ritchie and Doddridge counties are among the 15. Others covered by the emergency declaration are Barbour, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, and Wetzel counties.

The declaration Wednesday came after severe storms dumped several inches of rain, knocked out power to thousands of customers and caused flooding and mudslides that closed numerous roads.

The declaration allows Manchin to direct special resources to affected areas to clear debris and repair roads.

In Doddridge county the Red Cross has opened a shelter at the county's senior citizens center in West Union.