| CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Gov. Joe Manchin has declared a statewide State of Emergency due to the winter storm that is reaching West Virginia at this time. Through the next two days, the storm is predicted to drop large amounts of wet snow in the northern and eastern panhandle areas and a mixture of ice and snow across West Virginia.
"The information I'm receiving from the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the National Weather Service suggests that this storm will bring large amounts of heavy, wet snow and ice that will hamper travel and could affect other services and utilities," Manchin said. "We have already taken precautions in anticipation of this storm, but the State of Emergency provides additional resources that will enable us to better deal with the weather.
"As Benjamin Franklin said, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' As this storm hits, I encourage West Virginians to please only travel if absolutely necessary. Be responsible and use good judgment. Don't get out unless you have to."
For emergencies, citizens should call 911 for assistance.
The governor also ordered the implementation of the state's Emergency Operations Plan and activation of the state's Emergency Operations Center. The state of emergency allows the governor to direct special resources to the affected areas that otherwise would not be available.
The state of emergency remains in effect for 30 days unless extended or rescinded by another proclamation by the governor.
www.wvgov.org | 
