BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - Shelters have opened -- or are prepared to open -- in several counties affected by the snowstorm.
In Mercer County:
The Salvation Army in Princeton and Bluefield, along with the Red Cross and the Union Mission have made plans to open shelters in the Mercer County area -- if needed in the wake of the impending snow storm.
The groups are working with Tim Farley, director of emergency services in Mercer County, to establish the shelters.
Shelters to be opened, if needed, include:
- Salvation Army in Bluefield:
- 900 Highland Ave.
- Captain Lester: 304-952-2705
- Salvation Army in Princeton:
- 300 Princeton Ave.
- Lieutenant Michaels: 304-952-1952
Those in need of assistance may also call:
Craig Hammond of the Union Mission at 304-327-8167 or Phyllis Sheets with the Red Cross at 304-922-8565
In Tazewell County:
Several warming shelters have been established in Tazewell County, according to the sheriff's department Facebook page.
- 945 Rescue (Abbs Valley/Pocahontas areas)
- Bluefield VA Rescue (Falls Mills/Bluefield areas)
- Richlands Police Department (Wordell/Raven/Doran/Richlands areas)
These will be Warming shelters only. Those utilizing the shelters should bring their own snacks and drinks.
In Raleigh County:
Raleigh County has activated its Emergency Operations Center and will open three shelters in anticipation of the coming snowstorm.
Shelters will be established at the following locations:
- Beckley Dream Center
- Raleigh County Community Action
- Raleigh County Commission on Aging
The Commission on Aging site is set up specifically for those displaced individuals who might have oxygen-related needs.
In Greenbrier County:
Two shelters in the county -- at the Rainelle Fire Department and at the Rhema Church in Fairlea have closed due to lack of need, but remain on stanby. For status, call 304-646-5260.
In Buchanan County:
Shelters that were open at River View Elementary and Twin Valley High School have been closed due to lack of need.
In McDowell County:
A Red Cross shelter has been established at Premier Learning Center 750 Stone Coal Branch Road, Welch WV 304-436-4961
In Fayette County:
First Church of God in Fayetteville
