As the power outage continues across Marion County and temperatures rose into the low 90s and heat indexes climbed into the upper 90s, Marion county officials have done everything they can to keep residents safe.
SWEPCO and Upshur Rural power companies both have extended deadlines for when they expected to restore full service to customers late into next week. However both companies have indicated they expected the vast majority of customers to have power before then.
Mid-Saturday afternoon Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur was working to find temporary relocation spaces for residents of Magnolia Manor. The facility has a generator but was running low on propane to keep it operating.
LaFleur also declared Marion County a disaster area Saturday morning so State and Federal assistance could start arriving. No eta on that has been given however.
Jefferson Mayor Rob Baker, LaFleur, and Marion County Sheriff & Emergency Management Coordinator David Capps opened the city’s Transportation center from 8a-5p Saturday at Sunday so residents could come in, cool off, recharge phones, and get some temporary relief.
Baker indicated the facility would remain open each day as needed.
More severe weather is expected Saturday evening and Sunday and the Heat Advisory continues into Monday.
Residents are encouraged to stay cool, and seek assistance as necessary.