(LOOTPRESS) – Appalachian Power Company says it is fully prepared for a significant winter storm expected to impact most of its three-state service territory beginning Saturday, Jan. 24, and continuing into late Sunday.
Forecasts call for a dangerous mix of wet snow, sleet, and freezing rain that could lead to widespread power outages. Company officials say the highest concern is southern West Virginia, where up to 10 inches of heavy, wet snow is possible along with light to moderate ice accumulations of around two-tenths of an inch. Across much of northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia, ice totals could reach up to a half-inch.
Utility officials warn that ice accumulations greater than a quarter-inch can place significant strain on trees and power lines, increasing the likelihood of outages. In northern parts of the region, snowfall totals could be even higher, with more than a foot of snow predicted in the Wheeling, West Virginia, area.
Appalachian Power says crews are already staged across the region and ready to respond quickly if outages occur. Residents are urged to prepare ahead of the storm by assembling or refreshing emergency kits with essentials such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, medications, warm clothing, and supplies for pets. Households that rely on electricity for medical needs are encouraged to review emergency plans and check on elderly neighbors.
Safety officials also stress the importance of generator safety. Generators should never be plugged into wall outlets, must be operated outdoors away from doors and windows, and should only be used in homes with working carbon monoxide detectors.
Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines or anything they may be touching and to report hazards immediately by calling 911 and Appalachian Power at 800-956-4237.
Customers can stay informed by signing up for outage alerts, downloading Appalachian Power’s mobile app to report outages or hazards, and checking the company’s online outage map for restoration updates. Additional information and updates will be posted on AppalachianPower.com and the company’s social media channels as conditions evolve.
