WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Cold weather and ice continue to impact parts of West Virginia as crews work to restore power following Winter Storm Fern, which moved through the region over the weekend.
Approximately 9,400 customers served by Appalachian Power Company (APCo) remained without electricity Tuesday afternoon, with some of the most significant damage reported in Lincoln and Kanawha counties.
Utility officials warned that additional outages are possible as ice refreezes and thaws, causing trees and limbs to fall onto power lines.
Restoration efforts in West Virginia have been slowed by hazardous conditions, including icy terrain, snow-covered roads and high wind gusts.
In Kanawha County, crews are working in areas such as Julian, South Charleston, Cross Lanes, Elkview and Mink Shoals, where damage to electrical infrastructure has been described as extensive.
In Lincoln County, multiple crews are also needed to safely access downed lines and damaged equipment.
APCo says thousands of field personnel are involved in restoration efforts, supported by helicopter and drone assessments to locate damage. Vegetation management teams are clearing debris while line workers replace broken poles and downed power lines.
The company expects to restore power to the majority of customers affected by the storm by 11 p.m. Tuesday, though repairs in the hardest-hit areas may take longer due to the extent of damage.
Residents are urged to stay away from downed power lines and anything in contact with them, such as tree limbs or fences. Life-threatening emergencies should be reported by calling 911, while non-emergency hazards can be reported to APCo at 800-956-4237.
More than 100 warming centers are open across APCo’s service area, and customers can check outage locations and estimated restoration times using the company’s online outage map.
