CHARLESTON, W.Va. -Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will assess damage and meet with local emergency management officials in Braxton, Nicholas, Fayette and Raleigh counties. The governor continues to work closely with all state agencies and utility companies to coordinate our state's efforts to restore power and keep all West Virginians safe.
The storm is expected to begin moving out of the state over the next 24 hours, and we are making progress with our recovery efforts. As of this morning, approximately 220,000 customers in West Virginia are without power. Both state highways and forestry workers are working closely with the utility company crews to help clear the roads and restore utilities.
Storm damage continues to evolve and now includes structural collapses. Our local first responders and National Guard continue to monitor potential flooding and are on standby should there be any other structural collapses. Approximately 60 shelters and warming stations are open around the state and are providing meals for people who have been displaced or do not have electricity.
The governor continues to urge West Virginians to remain patient. "The last couple days have been difficult, and unfortunately due to the damage to our power lines, many West Virginians will be without power for several days," said Gov. Tomblin. "I ask all West Virginians to remain patient, and to do what West Virginians do best-take care of your neighbors."
"As West Virginians cope with this disaster, I will make sure that the federal government provides our state with the resources we need to recover," said Sen. Manchin. "There's no better way to get a handle on the situation than to see it firsthand and talk with the families that don't have power or are struggling with the harsh effects of this weather. I want to reassure all West Virginians that I will continue to share what I find with Secretary Napolitano, FEMA, the Red Cross and other organizations."
