Dec. 21, 2009
Huntington Avoids Snow Burial
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Huntington received an early Christmas present Saturday, Dec. 19 --- we received less snowfall than expected. While drivers on the WV Turnpike between Charleston/Beckley found their vehicles an unwanted tent, Huntington’s accumulations totaled about five inches and the temperatures have hovered just below freezing (but wind chills are encroaching that level uncomfortably downward).
WV Governor Joe Manchin declared a state of emergency activating the National Guard to clear blocked thoroughfares. The turnpike proved a great challenge as the number of jack knifed tractor trailers slowed guardsmen from arriving on the scene. In fact, emergency responders have assisted with the rescue of stranded motorists and providing food and drink. Still, more of those stranded have shivered too long.
As of late Saturday evening, reports indicate that the WV Turnpike reopened, but officials advise drivers not to use it Sunday unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, there are eight to ten miles of backed up vehicles that must pass.
One Amtrak train has been stranded for 24 hours just outside Alexandra, Va. Complicating matters, the Atlanta-Washington passenger trains has experienced periods of no power and food shortages. During a CNN report with a passenger on a cell phone, it remained uncertain why passengers were not evacuated to Alexandria.
Three people have perished due to the storm in Virginia.
Numerous cancelations have been announced, particularly from Charleston eastward and southward, as of Saturday evening. Check news websites for updates on Sunday morning church services in your area.
Huntington has not escaped all inconvenience, though. The geyser of water that filled the 20th Street viaduct Thursday, Dec. 17 will keep that access to downtown and MU closed for nearly a week. The force of the water line break shot portions of the roadway into the air. Early indications are that the viaduct will be shut down for at least a week.
Despite escaping the severe accumulations, 20-30% of Cabell and Wayne County AEP customers were without power.
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Huntington Avoids Snow Burial
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Huntington received an early Christmas present Saturday, Dec. 19 --- we received less snowfall than expected. While drivers on the WV Turnpike between Charleston/Beckley found their vehicles an unwanted tent, Huntington’s accumulations totaled about five inches and the temperatures have hovered just below freezing (but wind chills are encroaching that level uncomfortably downward).
WV Governor Joe Manchin declared a state of emergency activating the National Guard to clear blocked thoroughfares. The turnpike proved a great challenge as the number of jack knifed tractor trailers slowed guardsmen from arriving on the scene. In fact, emergency responders have assisted with the rescue of stranded motorists and providing food and drink. Still, more of those stranded have shivered too long.
As of late Saturday evening, reports indicate that the WV Turnpike reopened, but officials advise drivers not to use it Sunday unless absolutely necessary. Meanwhile, there are eight to ten miles of backed up vehicles that must pass.
One Amtrak train has been stranded for 24 hours just outside Alexandra, Va. Complicating matters, the Atlanta-Washington passenger trains has experienced periods of no power and food shortages. During a CNN report with a passenger on a cell phone, it remained uncertain why passengers were not evacuated to Alexandria.
Three people have perished due to the storm in Virginia.
Numerous cancelations have been announced, particularly from Charleston eastward and southward, as of Saturday evening. Check news websites for updates on Sunday morning church services in your area.
Huntington has not escaped all inconvenience, though. The geyser of water that filled the 20th Street viaduct Thursday, Dec. 17 will keep that access to downtown and MU closed for nearly a week. The force of the water line break shot portions of the roadway into the air. Early indications are that the viaduct will be shut down for at least a week.
Despite escaping the severe accumulations, 20-30% of Cabell and Wayne County AEP customers were without power.
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