BLUEFIELD, W.Va. – It’s been three days since severe winter weather struck the Two Virginias and thousands remain without power as restoration crews from multiple states continue to work in the area.
Those with Appalachian Power say they are still confident that power can be restored to the majority of people in WVVA’s viewing area by 11 pm Wednesday.
However, restoration crews are continuing to battle with hazardous conditions including slippery roads and ice covered terrain.
“In some instances we use drones and helicopters to assess our lines but in some instances they are on foot. A lot of it you can do vehicle assessment as well. The ice does slow them down but we’re making exceptional progress,” said Debby Pannell, spokesperson for Appalachian Power.
Pannell says overnight Tuesday into Wednesday more than 10,000 people had their power restored in the Two Virginias.
Pannell says that additional crews have been sent to areas of Mercer County that were hardest hit. She says 30 crews were added to the workforce on Wednesday.
“I can tell you that we are continuing to move crews into that area and other hard hit areas as we clear up an area such as Huntington or wherever. Those crews will move to wherever it is they’re needed. We’ll continue to work until everyone is restored,” said Pannell.
Pannell says Appalachian Power is still monitoring the winter weather expected to hit the Two Virginias this weekend. However, she adds they’re not anticipating outages to the extent they saw on Monday.
To view AEP’s outage map and sign up for outage alerts you can go here.
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