HARRISONBURG, VA (Dominion Energy) – Dominion Energy provides an update on the winter weather that is in the area for today.

Wet snow and freezing rain could cause widespread power outages and potentially multi-day restoration efforts across Virginia starting this afternoon and through Thursday.

Wet snow and ice accumulation can cause significant damage to power lines, trees and limbs, which could result in widespread power outages across the region. There is the potential for a multi-day power restoration effort due to the long duration of the storm and some areas with heavy accumulation of wet snow and ice. Even slightly more accumulation of heavier wet snow and ice can cause significantly more damage. It also impacts travel conditions, making some impacted areas harder to reach and prolonging power restoration efforts.

Dominion Energy crews are fully mobilized and prepared to respond to the storm. Crews will work as safely and quickly as possible to restore customers’ power.

Hundreds of crews and bucket trucks are deployed in field offices across Western, Central, Southside and Northern Virginia, and we’re bringing on additional crews to support restoration. During major storms, we always prioritize power restoration for hospitals, schools, water treatment facilities and other critical community services, as well as areas with the largest number of outages. We are closely coordinating with state and local emergency management agencies to ensure resources are staged in the most critical areas and available for road clearing as needed.

How customers can prepare:

    • The Dominion Energy app is the easiest way to report outages and track restoration.
      If you lose power, there are three easy ways to report your outage and track your restoration time: 1) Dominion Energy mobile app; 2) Dominion Energy website; or 3) Call 866-DOM-HELP.
    • Stay away from downed power lines.
      If you see a downed pole or wire, please report it by calling 866-DOM-HELP and stay at least 30 feet away. The line could be energized and dangerous.
    • Fully charge your devices before the storm.
      Fully charge your phone, computer and other electronic devices before the storm arrives. Consider purchasing portable batteries to extend the life of your devices.
    • Properly connect your generator.
      If you have a generator, make sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the storm arrives, and always operate it outdoors with good ventilation.
    • Prepare food, water and emergency supplies.
      Before any storm, it’s always good to have bottled water and non-perishable food on hand, as well as emergency supplies such as flashlights, batteries, first aid kits and medications.