Co-op Preparing for ‘Significant Winter Storm’

The National Weather Services has issued a Winter Storm Warning for our local area ahead of Winter Storm Kingston.

Portions of A&N Electric Cooperative’s local service area are expected to receive as much as 8 to 12 inches of snow from the storm.

Snow from the storm is expected to spread into our region on Wednesday morning with the bulk of the snow expected Wednesday afternoon and evening. The snow is expected to taper off early Thursday morning. An additional burst of snow is possible between 7 a.m. and noon on Thursday, according to the National Weather Service.

A&N Electric Cooperative personnel will be ready to respond to any weather-related power outages as they arise. The cooperative is urging members to prepare for the possibility of some scattered power outages through the duration of the storm.

Poor road conditions have the potential to prolong outage restorations.

The heavy snowfall, combined with winds and sub-freezing temperatures forecasted with this storm are expected to create hazardous travel and roadway conditions, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. VDOT is urging motorists to stay off roads until conditions improve, allowing crews the space to address the roadways safely and efficiently.

REPORTING OUTAGES

Co-op members should report an outage through one of the following methods:

Through the cooperative’s SmartHub app
Text OUT to (855) 940-4016
Call (757) 787-9750

Do not report power outages or hazardous situations through social media. Please use one of the three options above, which are connected to our outage management system.

DOWNED POWER LINES

The cooperative anticipates the possibility of some downed power lines due to the nature of this storm. Co-op members are urged to maintain a safe distance from any downed lines and to report the issue to the cooperative or 911 immediately. For safety, treat any downed line as if it was an energized power line.

Vehicles should not attempt to drive over fallen power lines across roadways. Instead, maintain a safe distance, report the issue and wait for a qualified electric line crew to remove the hazard.

PORTABLE GENERATORS

A portable generator may be very beneficial during an extended outage. Generators can also pose serious safety hazards to you and to others. Be sure to follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Generators produce carbon monoxide, please follow these safety instructions: