APCo Storm Update

What You Need to Know

• Winter Storm Fern will impact Appalachian Power’s (APCo) three-state service territory today through late Sunday, Jan. 25.
• More than 2,300 workers are in place to respond to outages, and APCo’s Storm Response Team requested thousands of additional personnel from as far as Wisconsin.
• Assessment teams and line mechanics are strategically positioned across the company’s 57-county service area.
• With the forecast calling for 0.5 inches of ice, APCo urges customers to prepare for multi-day outages. Monday’s high wind gusts could further delay restoration efforts in Virginia.
• Customers who rely on electrically powered medical equipment are strongly encouraged to have a backup plan in case of an extended outage.

What’s Happening

Thousands of APCo crews, contractors and mutual assistance personnel are strategically placed and ready to restore power once Winter Storm Fern enters the company’s territory this afternoon. The company has requested thousands of additional personnel from as far as Wisconsin.

The 2,000-mile-wide storm will bring up to eight inches of wet snow, sleet and up to 0.5 inches of ice before it travels further east late Sunday. Predicted ice accumulations can weigh down power lines and topple trees, leading to extended outages for impacted homes and businesses. Wind gusts up to 45 mph on Monday will delay power restoration in APCo’s Virginia territory because workers cannot be aloft when wind speeds exceed 30 mph.

Staying Connected

APCo’s Storm Response Team encourages customers to enroll in Outage Alerts now. Outage Alerts notify customers of power outages, their estimated restoration times (ETRs) and any applicable updates. Those already enrolled should confirm their contact information is up to date using APCo’s website or mobile app. Customers can also use APCo’s real-time Outage Map for outage locations and ETRs.

Follow Appalachian Power on Facebook, X and Instagram for restoration updates.

Winter Storm Safety Reminders

• Stay away from downed lines and anything they may be touching, including tree limbs and fences. Call 911 or APCo at 800-956-4237 immediately to report any safety concerns.
• Develop and review an emergency plan if you rely on electricity for medical equipment.
• Report an outage or safety hazard using APCo’s mobile app.
• Have an emergency kit ready with non-perishable food, water, flashlight, batteries, a battery-powered radio, a first-aid kit, required medications, portable chargers, cash, blankets, warm clothes and maps. Include pet food and medications.
• When using a generator, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, do not plug it into a wall outlet, run it outdoors and away from windows/doors and ensure working carbon monoxide detectors are in place.
• Review more storm safety tips at AppalachianPower.com/Safety.

Next Update

11 a.m. EST Sunday, Jan. 25.