Severe Storm Causes Widespread Power Outages in West Virginia; Freezing Conditions to Last Through Week
A powerful winter storm wreaked havoc across West Virginia over the weekend, blanketing the state with heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain. Thousands were left without power as road conditions deteriorated, businesses closed, and schools were forced to cancel classes. With freezing temperatures expected to last through the week, state officials and utilities are scrambling to restore power and keep roads clear.
Snow, Ice, and Sleet Bring Widespread Disruption
The storm began Sunday evening and continued into Monday afternoon, delivering a potent mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. According to Jeremy Michael, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Charleston, the storm brought “a wide range of impacts” across the state. While southern and central parts of West Virginia saw 3-7 inches of snow, northern regions experienced even heavier snowfall, with totals reaching up to 7-11 inches by Monday afternoon.
Michael warned that the situation could worsen as the storm persisted, with temperatures dropping further and increasing chances for icy conditions. “With the next round of snow and dropping temperatures, we expect conditions to get pretty icy, especially into Monday evening,” he said.
As the storm moves across the state, residents are bracing for another 1-3 inches of snow in the coming hours, potentially making travel even more dangerous.
Power Outages and Restoration Efforts Underway
The storm caused massive power outages across West Virginia, with Appalachian Power reporting that more than 100,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm. By 3 p.m. Monday, around 82,000 customers—approximately 40,000 in West Virginia and 43,000 in Virginia—remained without electricity. Utility crews have been working tirelessly to restore service, but challenging road conditions and downed power lines have hampered efforts.
Falling trees and power lines caused significant damage in areas like Elkview in Kanawha County, where at least two homes were hit by fallen trees, according to WCHS-TV. The widespread damage has made it difficult for crews to reach affected areas, prolonging the time it will take to restore power.
“We have about 5,000 workers just dedicated to this storm restoration,” said Debby Pannell, a spokeswoman for Appalachian Power. “It is definitely all hands on deck—internal support, field workers, and assistance coming from our sister companies in Ohio, Indiana, and beyond.”
Power restoration efforts are expected to take several more days, with the utility company estimating that 90% of customers in both West Virginia and Virginia will have power restored by 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9. Hospitals, nursing homes, and large customer groups will be prioritized during the restoration process, followed by individual outages.
Freezing Temperatures to Persist Throughout the Week
While crews work to restore power, West Virginians are also facing the challenge of freezing temperatures that are expected to linger through the week. Snowplows and road crews are working around the clock to clear major roads, but many secondary routes remain treacherous. Motorists are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel, as icy roads and fallen debris continue to pose serious hazards.
The storm’s impacts are expected to extend beyond power outages, with schools and businesses closed in many areas and travel disruptions likely to continue. The West Virginia Department of Transportation is asking residents to be patient and cautious as the cleanup continues.
Preparing for the Cold
With freezing temperatures expected for several days, residents are urged to take precautions. The state is advising individuals to check on neighbors, particularly the elderly, and ensure that they have adequate heating and supplies. If power remains out for an extended period, the West Virginia Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management is advising people to seek shelters in designated locations.
For those who must venture outdoors, authorities stress the importance of dressing in layers, avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold, and ensuring that vehicles are equipped with emergency supplies. Travelers are also encouraged to stay updated on the weather and road conditions before hitting the road.
As West Virginia digs out from the effects of this significant winter storm, state officials are reminding residents to remain cautious, prioritize safety, and prepare for continued cold temperatures.
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