With the potential for strong winter weather, there is also potential for ice to appear on both our roads and our power lines.
After last month’s winter storm hit the region hard, Appalachian Power used it as a learning opportunity to get ready for the next storm. More than 100,000 of its customers in Virginia and West Virginia lost power.
“We’re always learning from them and we are looking for ways to improve how efficient we are in terms of power restoration process,” Appalachian Power spokesperson Ashley Workman said. “So right now for us, our main focus is to prepare to hit the ground running if and when this storm does cause any power outages.”
Appalachian Power has their own weather forecaster that keeps a close eye on where the weather will be worst.
So far, next week’s forecast predicts that the roads and power lines have a chance to be frozen over with ice.
When that happens, it tends to lead to power outages.
“The weight of ice on power lines, our infrastructure and our equipment are definitely capable of causing power outages,” Workman said.
The amount of ice could also lead to branches crashing into power lines, which could also cause outages.
In the event of such a scenario, AEP has dozens upon dozens of workers to call upon to get out to the downed power lines and bring back the power.
“We’re all on standby and alert right now,” Workman said. “That includes our frontline workers as well as over two hundred and fifty business partners. They are already packed and ready to go in the event of any outages.”
Workman also suggests for families to have emergency supply kits consisting of blankets, batteries, portable chargers and non-perishable foods just in case the power is knocked out for a long time.
For up-to-date information regarding potential power outages, you can follow Appalachian Power on their social media platforms to get constant updates.
