FARMINGTON -- People across West Virginia were still digging out from under the weekend snowstorm Monday morning, when Gov. Joe Manchin toured some of the hardest-hit areas, starting in his hometown of Farmington.

"I have lived here all my life and I've never seen these types of conditions," Manchin said after his arrival at the Farmington Fire Department.

Feet of heavy snow and ice toppled trees, and brought down power and phone lines.

The governor flew into Marion County by helicopter, which he also used to survey the damage. Many roads were partially or completely blocked by the fallen trees.

Manchin said he heard about that problem from a cousin.

"He could only get into Farmington by following a person who had a pickup truck and a chainsaw and was cutting their way through just to make a path," the governor recalled, "on main Route 250, so that tells you something."

Many people in the northern part of the state already know the extent of the devastation well. Many remained without power Monday.

"I think we still have 400 to 500 in the north end of the county, especially, without any kind of power," Randy Elliot, the Marion County Commission president told the governor. "We've not got up at the end of every hollow, but we're working very hard to do that."

Manchin assured residents that everybody is working very hard to clear the roads, restore the power, and provide for people without it.

"We're prepared to help all of our counties and all of our municipalities to the best that we can to keep everybody whole," he said. "We know budgets are strained and we know how difficult it is, but I can assure you there won't be one decision made because can we or can we not afford something. It's basically whatever it takes to make sure people are safe, and get them back to a normal life as possible."

The West Virginia National Guard has 400 troops in the state, getting food and medicine to people who are stuck inside their homes.

Their biggest challenge has also been the trees. The military all-terrain vehicles can manage the snow and ice, but the fallen trees make the roads impassable even to the guard. They've recieved so many calls, the guard has to prioritize their missions.

"We're basically trying to do a triage," said Sgt. 1st Class John Oliverio."If its medical supplies, then it takes precedence than somebody needing food. But we're trying to keep it all in perspective."

The snowstorm is the third major event that's hit the state this winter, stretching resources thin.

"The entire state of West Virginia, since Christmas has been impacted by some disaster," said Director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Jimmy Gianato. "Responders are starting to get tired, they've been out here several days without a lot of rest."

The governor also visited a senior center in Mannington, which has set up as a cold shelter for up to 20 people. He also visited the northern and eastern panhandles during his tour.

Another storm is forecast for this week, bringing the threat of more snow, more ice, and the potential for more power outages. Gianato said the state will be ready to respond.

"That's one thing about the people in West Virginia," he said, "they're very resilient and they'll stand up to the challenge."

Anyone who needs the National Guard's assistance should call 911, or the armory directly at 304-363 1010.