WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Appalachian Power crews are working to restore electricity to thousands of customers after severe storms brought damaging winds and heavy rain to the utility’s service territory Monday.
Outages peaked at more than 28,000 customers around 6:30 p.m., with approximately 475 separate outage cases reported across the service territory.
Virginia was the hardest-hit state, with approximately 23,000 customers without power as of Monday evening. More than 5,000 customers were without service in West Virginia.
Appalachian Power said crews were prepared ahead of the storms and positioned to respond as conditions allowed. Crews are assessing damage, making repairs and restoring service.
The company expects power to be restored to most customers affected by the storms by the end of the day Tuesday, Aug. 11.
“Our crews are responding as quickly and safely as conditions allow,” said Jason Baker, vice president of distribution operations. “We appreciate our customers’ patience as crews work through storm damage and restore power.”
Customers are encouraged to report outages and check estimated restoration times through Appalachian Power’s website or mobile app. Customers can also sign up to receive restoration updates by text, email or phone.
Appalachian Power is reminding residents to stay away from downed power lines and anything they may be touching. All downed wires should be considered energized and dangerous.
Those using generators should follow manufacturer instructions and never operate them inside homes, garages or other enclosed spaces.
