Charleston , Kanawha County , West Virginia

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has declared a state of emergency after a wave of violent storms left more than 566,000 customers in the state without power.

The storms hit region hard Friday night causing widespread damage. Several counties throughout the state have downed power lines, gas shortages, and no water service. At this point, we do not know when power will be restored.

Tomblin issued a statement saying the damage is widespread and with temperatures Saturday expected to be near 100 degrees, it's urgent that electricity be restored to customers quickly.

Kanawha County has opened its emergency operations center. There are also shelters set up at the community centers in Charleston, Marmet Community Center and Riverside High School. There are also shelters set up at the Nitro Fire Department and Chesapeake Fire Department.

Cabell County has also set up shelters at the Big Sandy Arena and the New Baptist Church, at the site of the former ice rink on 28th Street. If you live in Cabell County and need to get ahold of emergency workers call (304) 526-6544.

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Severe storms have moved through the region Friday night causing widespread damage.

Downed power lines and trees, fires and other damage have been reported in Cabell, Roane, Putnam, and Kanawha Counties.

No word on how many people are hurt.

Click on the Eyewitness News Weather Tab for the latest updates.

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