TERRA ALTA, W.Va. (AP) -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin plans to seek a federal disaster declaration for West Virginia as worn-out residents and highway crews continued digging out from a blast of heavy, wet snow from Superstorm Sandy.

Tomblin said Thursday he'll ask President Barack Obama to approve assistance for residents and businesses in the hardest-hit areas.

Damage assessments are continuing from the storm that left at least six people dead in the state. About 148,000 customers remain without power.

A highways engineer says 40 percent of the roads in Nicholas County are closed due to snow and downed trees.

In Preston County, 2 feet of snow is on the ground in Terra Alta. Residents are making headway with snow blowers and shovels, but the process has been slow.