CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – More than 14,000 Appalachian Power customers in West Virginia remain without electricity Tuesday evening after another round of high winds and torrential rain move through the region.
With other electricity providers included, current outages stand at nearly 28,000 statewide.
As of 6:34 p.m. Tuesday, Appalachian Power reported approximately 17,200 customers without service across its territory, including about 14,200 in West Virginia and 3,000 in Virginia.
The company said saturated ground, downed trees and limbs, heavy rain and strong wind gusts continue to create dangerous conditions and could lead to additional outages through Tuesday night.
The hardest-hit areas in West Virginia include Charleston, Logan, Walgrove and Williamson. Lynchburg is among the hardest-hit areas in Virginia.
Appalachian Power said crews have already restored service to more than 31,000 customers. Nearly 2,000 additional workers from Kentucky, Tennessee and North Carolina have been requested to assist company crews with restoration efforts.
Strong winds could slow some of that work. According to Appalachian Power, wind speeds above 30 mph make elevated bucket truck work unsafe.
Additional damage from Tuesday’s second round of storms has also extended restoration times. Appalachian Power estimates the majority of customers will have service restored by 11 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, although most are expected to have power back before then.
Customers are encouraged to check Appalachian Power’s outage map for updated restoration estimates.
The company is also reminding residents to stay away from downed power lines and anything they may be touching, including trees, limbs and fences. Safety hazards should be reported immediately to 911 or Appalachian Power at 1-800-956-4237.
