Severe storms that hit West Virginia overnight have left thousands of people without power across several counties. The storms brought high winds, heavy rain, and lightning, which caused damage to power lines and trees. As of Thursday morning, American Electric Power (AEP) reported large outages in multiple counties. Crews are working hard to restore power, but residents should be prepared for possible extended outages.
Power Outages Across Multiple Counties
Here is a breakdown of the current power outages reported by AEP and the PowerOutage.us website:
- Wayne County: 3,003 customers without power
- Mingo County: 759 customers without power
- Logan County: 730 customers without power
- Wirt County: 2,763 customers without power
- Wood County: 1,774 customers without power
- Lincoln County: 545 customers without power
- Pocahontas County: 1,777 customers without power
- Pendleton County: 354 customers without power
These outages are caused by trees and power lines that were knocked down by the high winds, rain, and lightning. AEP crews are out in full force working to repair the damage and get power back to affected areas.
What Caused the Outages?
The storms that passed through West Virginia brought a mix of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and lightning. These weather conditions caused trees to fall, blocking roads and bringing down power lines. As a result, power outages were reported across several counties in the state. AEP is focusing its efforts on clearing downed trees and restoring power to the affected regions as quickly as possible.
Ongoing Restoration Efforts
AEP officials have said that they are working around the clock to fix the damage caused by the storm. They are prioritizing repairs to critical infrastructure, like hospitals, emergency services, and water treatment plants. While crews are doing their best to restore power quickly, some areas may face longer delays due to the extent of the damage.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated on restoration progress by checking the AEP website or mobile app. AEP will continue to provide updates on the power restoration efforts.
Safety Tips for Residents
If you live in an area affected by the storms, there are several important safety tips to follow:
- Avoid Downed Power Lines: Stay far away from any downed power lines. If you see one, report it immediately to AEP or local authorities. Downed power lines can be dangerous and should not be touched.
- Use Generators Safely: If you are using a generator, make sure it is kept outside in a well-ventilated area. Never use a generator indoors, as this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: During power outages, some people, especially the elderly or those with health conditions, may need extra help. Check on your neighbors to make sure they are safe and have everything they need.
- Prepare for Extended Outages: In some areas, power may be out for a longer period due to the extent of the damage. Make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water, and batteries, to get through the outage.
- Track Restoration Updates: Use the AEP website or mobile app to track updates on power restoration in your area. These tools will help you stay informed on when to expect power to return.
Looking Ahead
Although the storms caused widespread damage, AEP crews are working hard to fix the problems caused by the storms. However, some residents may have to wait longer for their power to be restored due to the damage in remote areas. It’s important to stay informed and follow safety guidelines during this time.
Residents should remain patient while crews work to restore electricity. With the unpredictable nature of these storms, it may take time to clear all the damage and get everything back to normal.
Power Outages Expected to Last as Crews Work to Restore Service Across West Virginia
The damage caused by these storms is significant, and power outages could last for a while. In the meantime, West Virginia residents are urged to remain safe, avoid any hazards, and be patient as crews work to bring power back online.
(Source : newsbreak.com)
