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Even though Superstorm Sandy is winding down, the Winter Storm Warning for Southern W.Va. has been extended to 4 a.m. Wed. Many areas are experiencing severe weather including high winds, flooding and blizzard-like conditions coupled with power and water outages.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced the State of West Virginia has been granted a presidential emergency declaration. This declaration allows FEMA to provide direct assistance to West Virginia, including measures to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety.

In a press release on Tues., Gov. Tomblin offered residents guidance during this trying time.

“As this storm continues to impact our state, I ask all residents to stay off the roads unless it is an emergency,” Gov. Tomblin said. “Our local, state, and-with this emergency declaration-now federal emergency leaders are, working diligently to address the evolving needs of all West Virginians. I again, encourage West Virginians to remain calm, stay off the roads as much as possible, and check on your neighbors, family and friends.”

Logan County agencies are working in the area to help residents affected by the storm:

Roger Bryant with the Logan Emergency Services Authority (LEASA) says they are still in the assessment phase. They have no good idea when power will be completely restored, so they are in the process of setting up shelters. One shelter is open at the Green Center in Holden. The Buffalo Creek Fire Dept. has a warming station. He says the Logan Empowerment Action and Development group are preparing meals for those in need at First Christian Church.

Appalachian Power reported that more than 134,000 customers had lost power during Monday night and early Tuesday morning. At noon Tuesday, Appalachian Power was reporting a little over 6,800 customers without power in Logan County. Danny Godby, President of the Logan County Commission, says he worked with Appalachian Power’s Dave Stone to help get power restored. Godby said 1,500 homes from Pecks Mill to Chapmanville lost power when trees felled by the heavy snow took down power lines.

W.Va. Dept. of Highways spokesman Ronnie Stollings says crews are continuing to work at getting roads cleared and safe for motorists. Crews are continuing to remove trees and branches off route 17, Cow Creek and Madison Creek. Stollings said the majority of the roads are open and clear.

An announcement was also made on Tues. to move Trick or Treat for Logan County children to Friday, Nov. 2 from 6-8 p.m. for Logan, Man and Chapmanville and from 6-7:30 p.m. for North Mitchell Heights.

The Open House and Enrollment Fair at the Lenore VA Outreach Clinic set for Thursday, November 1, has also been cancelled. It will be rescheduled at a later date.