By Karen Wissing
Situation
Appalachian Power’s Storm Response Team continues to monitor the weather and prepare crews, trucks, and facilities ahead of Winter Storm Blair. The winter storm system is forecast to bring a mix of snow and up to 0.50″ of ice Sunday evening through early Tuesday, potentially causing extended power outages. The company urges customers across Northeastern Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia to be prepared, especially customers requiring electricity for medical devices.
Weather
- Light-to-moderate ice accumulations of up to 0.50″ are expected in most of the company’s Virginia and West Virginia service areas. Snow accumulations of 8-12″ are predicted in the Wheeling, W.Va., area.
- Ice accumulations over a quarter inch weigh down trees and electric lines and can cause utility problems.
Storm Preparation Efforts
- Appalachian Power has developed comprehensive severe and icy weather action plans, adapting to changing forecasts, and is prepared to respond to any potential service interruptions promptly and safely.
- Crews are outfitted and fully uniformed with necessary cold-weather gear to prepare for wintry weather working conditions. Crews have assured that trucks are ready for the winter storm, including checking tires and ensuring all service vehicles are fueled and fully stocked to respond to any outage situation.
- The company has requested more than 700 outside personnel to assist in power restoration efforts following Winter Storm Blair.
- Appalachian Power’s generation facilities follow specific protocols and procedures to combat the expected winter weather and ensure safe and reliable operations across our entire generation fleet.
- Over the last several days, AEP has been in contact with PJM, the regional transmission organization responsible for monitoring the power grid in 13 states, about any potential impacts to the power grid and will take direction from them as necessary.
Prepare an Emergency Outage Kit
Appalachian Power’s grid is robustly designed and constructed to withstand Appalachian weather. However, no system is entirely immune to nature’s forces. Gather an emergency outage kit that includes:
- Flashlights and fresh batteries
- Battery-powered radios or televisions
- Candles, matches, or lighters
- Water for drinking and cooking
- Portable heater, either oil or gas (Note: Some portable heaters can cause fires or other safety hazards when not used as specified by the manufacturer. Be sure to review the safety specifications of your specific model before using it during an outage.)
- Camping equipment like sleeping bags, camp stoves, and lanterns
- Non-perishable food and a manual can opener
- Manufacturers’ instructions for your generator (if you have one)
- Instructions for how to manually open your garage door
- Important over-the-counter medicines
Click here for additional safety tips and here for ways to save energy during low temperatures.
For More Information
Customers can get specific information about the outages affecting their accounts via text message and/or email by subscribing to Appalachian Power outage alerts. To sign up, please visit Appalachian Power alerts.
A snapshot view of current outages is available anytime by visiting Appalachian Power’s Outage Map.
Next Update: Monday, Jan. 6, 2025 – 9 a.m.
Stay safe!!
