WV National Guard updates governor on latest storm efforts - WOWK 13 Charleston, Huntington WV News, Weather, Sports

WV National Guard updates governor on latest storm efforts

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By Lisa Robbins, Reporter - bio | email

On Wednesday, the West Virginia National Guard updated Governor Earl Ray Tomblin on recovery efforts in the state.

They met at the Joint Operations Center, which has become a hub for anything and everything related to Hurricane Sandy.

Officials crammed into a room and video conferenced with emergency officials in other counties to see what kind of help they need.

"This makes it pretty easy to zoom in to certain particular areas in the state and have these conversations so we can respond as quickly as we can," Tomblin said.

Certain parts of the state, including the Eastern Panhandle, are still complete nightmares.

"We still have lots of snow on the ground with more snow coming down in particular places. There seems to be a swath basically almost through the Eastern and Central part of the state where we have several feet of snow," Tomblin said.

The state is trying to get out as much help as it can.

Blocked roadway are still a huge problem.

"There are teams out now, particularly in Tucker County and Nicholas County that are out trying to work to get access, that's why we have asked for the additional tree cutting teams. Access is the biggest problem right now, particularly on some of the back roads," said Jimmy Gianato, Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Thousands of people are also still without power.

The power companies simply can't get to some of these areas that are snowed in.

"We're working with them to do what we can do get them in by vehicle, humvee, or ATVs, into what areas we can get them in so they can get the power back on as quickly as possible," Tomblin said.

The state is getting help from FEMA and some other unlikely sources.

"We've got contract logging crews. We've got coal and oil and gas companies that are offering support," said Major General James Hoyer.

West Virginia is currently under a State of Emergency. The 'State of Emergency' lantern is lit atop the State Capitol. It will stay lit until the order is lifted.