A powerful winter storm has left thousands of people in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky without power. The storm brought freezing temperatures and heavy rains on Wednesday night and Thursday morning, causing widespread outages in many areas.
Major Power Outages in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky
In Ohio, over 4,000 customers are without electricity. Areas like Athens, Jackson, and Meigs counties are among the hardest-hit. AEP Ohio, the power company serving the state, has reported outages in several counties. Athens County has seen around 2,100 outages, and Meigs County is experiencing around 570 power cuts. Other counties like Gallia, Pike, Ross, and Vinton are also affected, with hundreds of customers without power.
West Virginia has been hit especially hard, with a total of 9,426 customers losing power, according to reports from Appalachian Power and MonPower. Some of the most affected counties include Wirt, Wood, and Pocahontas. Wirt County, in particular, has been severely impacted, with nearly 2,800 customers without power. Other counties in West Virginia, like Jackson, Kanawha, Mingo, and Wayne, are also facing outages.
Kentucky has also been hit by the storm, although the number of outages is slightly lower. Kentucky Power reported 355 outages, with Pike County seeing around 79 outages. Smaller counties like Boyd, Carter, and Greenup are experiencing only a few outages each.
Details of the Outage in Affected Areas
Power companies across the three states are working to restore power, but with temperatures dipping below freezing, it is expected that repairs may take longer than usual. The storm has caused damage to power lines and equipment, leading to power cuts in both urban and rural areas. Appalachian Power, MonPower, and AEP Ohio are all working hard to get power back on for those affected by the storm.
The cold temperatures combined with the rain have made conditions dangerous, especially for those without power. The storm has caused some disruptions in daily life, with schools, businesses, and other services impacted by the outages. Many homes are without heat, which poses a serious risk to people’s health in freezing temperatures.
Communities Urged to Stay Safe During Winter Storm
Officials are urging residents to take precautions while waiting for the power to be restored. People are advised to stay indoors if possible, use extra blankets, and wear warm clothing. Emergency services are on high alert to assist those in need, particularly vulnerable individuals who may be at risk due to the cold.
Those in affected areas are also being warned to be careful of downed power lines and other hazards caused by the storm. Authorities are advising everyone to avoid any areas where there may be power outages or flooding.
Efforts to Restore Power and Help the Affected
Power companies are working tirelessly to fix the damage caused by the storm and restore electricity. Crews are out in the cold, trying to fix broken power lines and clear debris from the storm. However, with many roads being difficult to navigate due to the weather, it may take longer for power to be restored in some areas.
Emergency teams are also providing assistance to people in need. Authorities have set up shelters for people who need warmth and shelter while they wait for power to return.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect
The storm is expected to continue affecting the region for the next few days, with more rain and freezing temperatures likely. Power companies are hopeful that the worst of the outages will be over soon, but some areas may still experience intermittent outages as the storm passes through. Residents are advised to stay updated on weather alerts and power restoration updates.
As the storm moves on, the focus will shift to recovery efforts, which will continue for several days. The situation remains fluid, and residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared for any further developments.
(Source : newsbreak.com)