Winter Storm Blair Causing Chaos with Continuous Falling Trees and Power Outages

By Roberta Cantrell

BSN Editor

Lawrence County Emergency Management Director Travis Hughes told Big Sandy News that other than falling trees and power outages people have “hunkered down” for the most part causing minimal wrecks and a less volume of 911 calls unlike what we seen in the winter storm of 2021.

Hughes said between agencies and departments such as road workers, fire departments, national guard, volunteers, police officers, utility crews and many more people being on the same page things have been running smoothly for the most part for the citizens.

“The worst part of all of this is the ice, luckily we had some snow first,” said Hughes. “The National Guard has been assisting us with getting hospital and nursing home employees to work and Judge Phillip Carter was able to call on them to also come in and cut trees out of the roadways to get them opened back up.”

Although the temperatures won’t be rising enough to melt the ice and snow before the forecast is calling for more accumulation Friday and Saturday, Hughes said if it is at all possible and safe to do so people should think about replenishing wood, fuel, groceries, medication and whatever else they may be out of at this point.

“If it is not safe to leave the location of their home, we will do whatever we can to assist in getting these things to those who need them,” Hughes explained. “We have a great crew and are doing the best to our ability to get to anyone who cannot get the things they need such as medication and fuel.”

Hughes said he definitely sees a difference in the citizens being more prepared this time as compared to the storm in 2021.

“I really want to thank everyone who has teamed up and worked so hard taking calls and continuing to take calls during this storm,” Hughes said. “I’m not sure what is coming Friday but we will be here and whatever is needed we will make it happen.”