Mother Nature took her best shot at the commonwealth last weekend. Kentucky may have staggered, but it's still on its feet and fighting back.

The Kentucky Division of Emergency Management activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) late last Saturday to begin dealing with reports of flooding and ice damage that poured in over the next 72 hours. A fierce winter storm coated much of central and northeastern Kentucky with a heavy layer of ice while heavy rainstorms swelled waterways in the southeastern portion of the state. Most of the state was affected by the severe weather, however most of the damage was reported from central Kentucky eastward.

To date, 52 of the commonwealth's 120 counties have declared local emergencies, indicating their resources were fully taxed and would turn to state government for assistance. Forty-four cities have followed suit. Over 100,000 households have been without power and several water systems have been impacted by power outages or flood damage.

At present, the Kentucky National Guard has soldiers and airmen assisting in 11 counties. Kentucky Guard missions include debris removal, emergency medical transportation, power generator support, traffic control and operating shelters for residents without heat.

Governor Paul E. Patton met Wednesday afternoon with Mayor Teresa Issac to discuss the state's involvement with recovery efforts in Lexington and Fayette County. Thursday afternoon the Governor will visit several central Kentucky counties to discuss the state's role in aiding these affected areas.

"All emergencies are local emergencies," reminded Malcolm Franklin, Director of the State Division of Emergency Management. "The Governor committed state government's full assistance by issuing an executive order Sunday declaring a state of emergency in the commonwealth. We are working 24-7 to honor that commitment."