Friday, February 3, 2022 – 10:30 a.m.
Situation
As forecasted, ice accumulation overnight caused significant damage and power outages in parts of Appalachian Power’s West Virginia service area. The majority of outages are located in the Wheeling area. Freezing temperatures predicted over the next couple of days in the Wheeling area will limit ice thaw and it is likely that additional outages will occur.
Outages
Around 17,000 customers in West Virginia are currently without electric service. The majority of outages are in located in the Northern Panhandle. The counties most affected include Marshall, with 7,621 customers out of service; and Ohio with 5,600. Other parts of the company’s West Virginia service area experienced scattered outages.
Storm Response Efforts
Around 40 workers arrived in Wheeling in advance of the storm and are assisting with restoration efforts. More than 175 additional workers are traveling today to the Wheeling area to aid with service restoration.
As heavy ice build-up on our facilities lingers due to freezing temperatures, additional damage may occur due to fallen trees and limbs. Workers are currently assessing damage and clearing safety hazards. Workers are dealing with icy road conditions, which may slow restoration efforts.
Restoration Estimates
Assessors are working to identify damage to facilities, but until the extent of the damage is more fully known in the Wheeling area, restoration estimates cannot be accurately determined.
The roughly 3,200 customers out of power in Clay, Putnam, Lincoln, and Wayne counties are expected to have power restored later today.
For the best available information on each specific outage, click the outage location on Appalachian Power’s Outage Map.
Weather
The Northern Panhandle is currently experiencing ice and snow accumulation. Freezing temperatures today and tomorrow in this area will likely limit ice thaw.
Safety Messages
Ice storms can cause damage that downs power lines. Customers should treat all downed lines as live power lines and stay away from them.
Keep children and pets away from fallen lines and anything the lines may touch.
Never remove debris that’s within 10 feet of a power line.
Employees are observing COVID-19 safety precautions as they go about restoring service in order to protect themselves, our customers and the public. Please protect yourself and our employees and contractors by not approaching them as they work to restore power. Maintaining social distancing is the best way you can help our crews.
Additional safety tips are posted at https://www.appalachianpower.com/safety/
Report an Outage
Visit Appalachian Power.com to report an outage online anytime.
For More Information
For information on a specific outage, check Appalachian Power’s Outage Map.
Next Update: Friday, February 4, 5:00 p.m.
