A weekend snowstorm painted the region in dangerous beauty, as the heavy, wet snow that transformed the landscape also brought down power lines and has left many without heat or light until perhaps after Christmas. (photo by Allen Bolling)
As of noon Monday, approximately 7,000 were without power in Floyd County, with the majority of those residents customers with American Electric Power. About 500 people were customers with Big Sandy RECC.
Areas still without power as of Monday in the county were both forks of Beaver, including areas such as Mud Creek, Wheelwright, Melvin and Weeksbury, and also areas of Right Beaver such as Wayland, Garrett and extending into portions of Middle Creek. There were also those without power along Conley Fork of Spurlock, according to county officials.
As for when the power could be restored, officials have said there are no certain answers.
Floyd County Judge-Executive R.D. “Doc” Marshall said Monday morning that this, the third official disaster in the past four years, was something he and all the residents of the county were now enduring yet again.
“Once again we’re consumed with Mother Nature,” Marshall said. “But we’re dealing with it to the best of our ability.”
One way county leaders are attempting to deal with this most recent disaster is to make available to residents shelters in the county where they can find refuge until power is restored.
According to a list sent from the county Monday, shelters are available through the Red Cross, Graceway Church, the Martin Community Center, the Betsy Layne Senior Citizens Center, the Mud Creek Senior Citizens Center and Christian Appalachian Project.
Marshall has sent his emergency declaration to Frankfort, he said; now comes to task of taking care of the people.
“I really compliment my magistrates and their road crews because of the long, hard work that has been ongoing since Friday when the storm hit,” said Marshall. “I’m also appreciative of the workers who are trying to restore power, working daylight to dark.”
The Floyd County Rescue Squad had, as of Monday morning, rescued some 25 people from situations due to the snowstorm, Marshall said, adding that he was also grateful for their help and assistance in this time of need.
Shelters and numbers by which to contact the shelters are as follows:
• Red Cross – 339-5911
• Graceway Church – 285-3136
• Wheelwright – 452-4305
• Martin Community Center – 285-9400
• Betsy Layne Senior Citizens Center – 478-9583
• Mud Creek Senior Citizens Center – 587-2507
Christian Appalachian Project – 788-0283
It is advised that if you visit these shelters for assistance that you bring pillows and blankets with you if possible.
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