Appalachian Power Storm Response Update #3
Thursday, September 26, 2024 – 6:30 p.m.
Situation
Crews continue to make solid progress in most areas affected by the severe thunderstorms that left more than 10,000 Appalachian Power customers without electric service. Approximately 80 percent of customers who lost power have been restored.
Outages & Damages
Approximately 1,900 customers are still without power following last night’s thunderstorms. Virginia was the hardest-hit area, with about 6,500 customers initially losing power because of the storms. Virginia still has about 1,100 customers without power, while West Virginia has about 700 customers without electric service. There are just under 100 customers without power in Tennessee.
Restoration Estimates
Employees and contractors are working to restore power as safely and quickly as possible. We expect to have 90 percent of the customers impacted by the storms restored by 11 p.m. Counties with more than 100 customers without power include Scott and Washington counties in Virginia and Wayne and Wyoming counties in West Virginia. Restoration times may be delayed in some areas due to continued heavy rains. Gusty winds are expected to pick up later this evening, which could bring additional outages in some areas.
We Are Prepared
Remnants of Hurricane Helene are expected to impact much of our service territory tomorrow and into the weekend. All Appalachian Power crews and contractors are on alert in their respective locations, packed and prepared to work. Additional Ohio and West Virginia crews are traveling to Virginia in preparation for possible outages.
Weather
Heavy rain and strong, gusty winds from Hurricane Helene may impact restoration efforts and increase outage numbers in some areas. Our crews will continue to work as quickly and safely as 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 stay away from 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.
- Do not plug the generator into your circuit box using a portable or RV generator.
- Flooding is expected in many areas throughout our service territory. Be cautious, and remember to turn around; don’t drown.
- 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: Friday, September 27, 2024, 11:00 a.m.