CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. — Additional plowing equipment from Elkins, West Virginia is on its way to assist those working in the eastern panhandle.
Public Information Officer for Jefferson County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Brandon Vallee, says that the National Guard has made over 50 missions in our area since the storm began, and he hopes the additional help will be enough for them to not have to rely on the National Guard once their support wraps up on Friday.
He says “We’re continuing to work with the State, the Governor, and the West Virginia Emergency Operations Center to determine the need for the National Guard here.”
Vallee also commented on the closure of Jefferson County Schools until February 1st, and says Berkeley and Morgan counties will probably follow suit, but are choosing to do so on a day-by-day basis instead.
“A lot of roads around the area are one-lane with sidewalks having 6 feet of snow on them, so there’s no safe way the kids could stand and wait for the school bus, and there’s no way for school buses to turn in those lanes. We still have parts of the county which are inaccessible.” he continued.
Vallee also reminds everyone to be patient, and to only drive when its absolutely necessary, as there is still a lot of work to do.
He also mentioned that everyone should take time to thank their local law enforcement, EMS, and National Guard members if they see them, as most of them have been working 18 hour shifts or more.