Appalachian Power Storm Response: Update #1
Thursday, September 26, 2024 – 9:30 a.m.
Situation
Severe thunderstorms that rolled through much of Appalachian Power’s service territory last night left more than 10,000 customers without power by 7 a.m. Outage numbers are expected to rise throughout the day as heavy rain and strong winds are forecasted for most of the day and into tomorrow. Crews are currently assessing damage and working to restore power where it is safe.
Outages & Damages
Crews are still working to assess damage from last night’s severe storm. Virginia was the hardest hit, with about 6,500 customers without power at 7 a.m., followed by West Virginia with 2,500 and Tennessee with 1,000. Currently, there are about 275 outage cases scattered throughout our service territory. At the storm’s peak, Floyd County, Virginia, had approximately 1,600 customers without power, and Kingsport, Tennessee, had approximately 1,000 customers without power.
Restoration Estimates
The majority of customers who lost power Wednesday night will have power restored by 11 p.m. tonight, weather permitting.
We Are Prepared
With Hurricane Helene expected to continue to drop heavy rain and gusty winds in our area, all Appalachian Power crews and contractors are on alert in their respective locations, packed and prepared to work. The company is currently working to secure additional crews to assist if outages increase.
Weather
Remnants of Hurricane Helene are expected to continue to impact our service territory over the next couple of days. Heavy rain and strong, gusty winds will impact restoration efforts as crews work to assess damage and make repairs where possible.
How Customers Can Prepare
- Plan in the event a power outage occurs. Check with those who are elderly, have young children or have medical conditions to ensure they have a plan — and don't forget your pets.
- Charge devices such as phones, laptops, portable chargers and other electronics that will help you stay connected.
- Prepare an emergency kit. At a minimum, include non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit and necessary medications.
Safety Message
- Windstorms cause damage that can bring down power lines. Customers should treat all downed lines as live power lines and avoid them. Never touch downed power lines or sparking equipment. Keep children and pets away from fallen lines and anything the lines may touch, and call 911 and Appalachian Power at 1-800-956-4237 immediately.
- If you plan to use an alternate heat source, ensure it is in good working order and follow all safety precautions. Only operate lanterns, heaters, fuel-fired stoves, or burn charcoal with proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.
- Do not plug the generator into your circuit box using a portable or RV generator.
- Find additional safety tips at AppalachianPower.com/Safety.
For More Information
Customers can subscribe to Appalachian Power outage alerts to receive specific information about outages affecting their accounts via text message and/or email. To sign up, please visit Appalachian Power alerts.
A snapshot view of current outages is available anytime by visiting Appalachian Power’s Outage Map.
Next Update: Thursday, September 26, 2024, 1:00 p.m.