VDOT, Power Companies Prepare for Possible Snow

With a National Weather Service winter storm watch in place for the Fredericksburg area Thursday, personnel at Dominion Virginia Power, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are in preparation mode.

Le-Ha Anderson, a Dominion Power spokeswoman, said the company is making sure their trucks are ready to respond if there are any power outages. She said the utility company has a team of meteorologists tracking the storm.

“Wet snow with some wind could cause some power outages,” Anderson said. “We urge our customers to be prepared with an emergency plan with phone numbers and nonperishable food, just in case there are some outages.”

VDOT will have hundreds of trucks ready to roll Thursday morning to pre-treat interstates, agency spokeswoman Jenny McCord said. If the forecast changes and more snow hits the region, McCord said VDOT is prepared to bring in extra manpower.

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative advises members to make preparations.  Information regarding any outages will be updated on both the website and the REC Facebook page.

Any member who is dependent on electricity-powered medical equipment should take steps now to seek alternative shelter or a source of backup power, as appropriate, said REC.

"Please keep in mind during major outages phone volume increases dramatically," said a REC spokesperson. "Please take advantage of using a smart phone and report outages online."

If you’re using portable generators, don’t connect them to home wiring system or outlets, REC advised. It could cause high voltage feedback on power lines that could severely injure workers trying to restore power. Plug lights or other needed appliances directly into the portable generator itself.

Online Resources for Reporting Outages, Checking Conditions

• Virginia Dominion Power Storm Center, Power Outages and Restoration
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative Outage Center
• VDOT Winter Travel Information and Road Condition Updates

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