Sunday, December 20, 2009
Winter Storm Hits West Virginia
WEST VIRGINIA....
As a strong winter storm began hitting the states of West Virginia and Kentucky Friday, Governor Joe Manchin (W. Va.) and Governor Steve Beshear (Ky.) both declared a state of emergency for each state on Saturday.
The West Virginia Turnpike Authority shut down the south bound side of the West Virginia Turnpike Friday evening when multiple accidents occurred, keeping it shut down while drivers were stuck in their cars. Just before 2:00 P.M. Saturday, the West Virginia Department of Highways shut down the north bound lanes at the 48 mile marker to give the National Guard access to stranded drivers on the south bound side. Guard members delivered food, water and supplies to those stuck in the traffic jam. At 3:25 P.M., the WVDOT issued a news release stating that the West Virginia Turnpike will remain closed "until further notice." It was re-opened at 9:30 P.M.
While the Turnpike was not the only affected area of traffic, snow covered area roads created traveling problems for other motorists. Saturday, both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 64 between Charleston and Beckley were shut down until further notice. In southern West Virginia, roads were either closed or virtually impassible. Emergency crews worked both Friday and Saturday nights in an attempt to rescue hundreds of stranded motorists and to get them to shelters.
As a strong winter storm began hitting the states of West Virginia and Kentucky Friday, Governor Joe Manchin (W. Va.) and Governor Steve Beshear (Ky.) both declared a state of emergency for each state on Saturday.
The West Virginia Turnpike Authority shut down the south bound side of the West Virginia Turnpike Friday evening when multiple accidents occurred, keeping it shut down while drivers were stuck in their cars. Just before 2:00 P.M. Saturday, the West Virginia Department of Highways shut down the north bound lanes at the 48 mile marker to give the National Guard access to stranded drivers on the south bound side. Guard members delivered food, water and supplies to those stuck in the traffic jam. At 3:25 P.M., the WVDOT issued a news release stating that the West Virginia Turnpike will remain closed "until further notice." It was re-opened at 9:30 P.M.
While the Turnpike was not the only affected area of traffic, snow covered area roads created traveling problems for other motorists. Saturday, both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 64 between Charleston and Beckley were shut down until further notice. In southern West Virginia, roads were either closed or virtually impassible. Emergency crews worked both Friday and Saturday nights in an attempt to rescue hundreds of stranded motorists and to get them to shelters.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:07 AM 
