WEST VIRGINIA (LOOTPRESS) – Appalachian Power crews are working to restore electricity to approximately 8,800 customers still without power Thursday morning following the severe impact of Winter Storm Blair.
At its peak on Monday, the storm left more than 100,500 customers without power across Virginia and West Virginia.
Current Outages
Virginia has around 2,350 customers without power, while West Virginia faces a larger challenge with 6,450 outages.
Affected areas in Virginia include Franklin and Tazewell counties, and in West Virginia, crews are focusing on Fayette, Lincoln, Mercer, and Summers counties.
Restoration Progress
Appalachian Power reports that 97% of damage assessments have been completed, revealing extensive infrastructure issues, including:
- 42 miles of downed wire.
- 140 damaged or broken poles.
- 105 transformers requiring maintenance.
Approximately 450 repair locations remain across the company’s service area.
Estimated Times of Restoration (ETRs)
Appalachian Power expects to restore 90% or more of outages in the following areas by these times:
Virginia
- Rocky Mount: 982 outages, by 6 p.m., Jan. 9.
- Moneta: 948 outages, by 6 p.m., Jan. 9.
West Virginia
- Hamlin: 453 outages, by 6 p.m., Jan. 9.
- Hico: 611 outages, by 8 p.m., Jan. 9.
- Milton: 109 outages, by 8 p.m., Jan. 9.
- Bluefield: 4,570 outages, by 11 p.m., Jan. 9.
Challenges Facing Crews
Crews are dealing with re-freezing precipitation, icy terrain, and hazardous road conditions in rural and remote areas, delaying access to job sites.
Additional outages have occurred in areas where thawing and re-freezing continue to strain the system.
The company is working closely with local and state officials to expedite repairs and is taking steps to ensure reliable operations across its entire generation fleet.
Hydro Operations and Safety Alerts
Appalachian Power has been advised by PJM, the regional grid operator, to increase hydroelectric generation to maintain grid stability during the ongoing extreme cold.
Recreational users downstream of Claytor and Leesville dams are warned of fluctuating water levels on the New and Roanoke rivers.
Customer Safety Tips
Residents are reminded to stay away from downed power lines and sparking equipment. Other safety measures include:
- Unplugging major appliances to protect them when power is restored.
- Refueling heaters and generators outdoors, away from flames.
- Never burning charcoal indoors due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
