VA Power Outages: 180K Without Electricity After Winter Storm

VIRGINIA — Tens of thousands of homes and businesses were without power Wednesday after a winter storm moved through Virginia, dumping up to 10 inches of snow on parts of the state.

As of 3 p.m., nearly 180,000 power outages had been reported in Virginia, according to tracking website PowerOutage.us. A majority were in the city of Richmond, as well as Henrico and Chesterfield counties.

While power outages were minimal in Northern Virginia, February's first major winter storm brought varying amounts of snow to parts of the region.

• RELATED: See NoVA Snowfall Totals Up To 10 Inches By Town After Winter Storm

Numerous school districts and government offices closed early Tuesday and remained closed Wednesday due to the winter storm's impacts. Gov. Glenn Youngkin had declared a state of emergency on Friday due to the expected threat of the winter storm.

While snowfall has ended, the National Weather Service said patchy freezing drizzle or light flurries could continue through Wednesday morning. Temperatures will gradually get above freezing, but slick areas remain possible on elevated and untreated surfaces.

In the afternoon, the Washington Post's Capital Weather Gang says a wintry mix is possible followed by rain through early Thursday.

On Wednesday, Dominion Energy said it had hundreds of crews deployed to respond to outages in central, south and western Virginia.

Customers can call Dominion at 866-366-4357 to report an outage or downed line, or make a report online. The utility urges residents to stay 30 feet away from downed power lines.

NOVEC, which serves parts of Northern Virginia, has not reported widespread outages. Outages may be reported to NOVEC at 703-335-0500, online, or texting “#OUT” to 85700.

Tips During Power Outages

To prepare for power outages, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management recommends:

• Take an inventory of the items you need that rely on electricity.
• Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for medical devices powered by electricity and refrigerated medicines. Find out how long medication can be stored at higher temperatures and get specific guidance for any medications that are critical for life.
• Plan for batteries and other alternatives to meet your needs when the power goes out.
• Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. Monitor weather reports.
• Install carbon monoxide detectors with battery backup in central locations on every level of your home.
• Determine whether your home phone will work in a power outage and how long battery backup will last.
• Review the supplies that are available in case of a power outage. Have flashlights with extra batteries for every household member. Have enough nonperishable food and water.
• Use a thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer so that you can know the temperature when the power is restored. Throw out food if the temperature is 40 degrees or higher.
• Keep mobile phones and other electric equipment charged and gas tanks full.

During a power outage, the state recommends:

• Keep freezers and refrigerators closed. The refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Use coolers with ice if necessary. Monitor temperatures with a thermometer.
• Maintain food supplies that do not require refrigeration.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Generators, camp stoves, or charcoal grills should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows. Never use a gas stovetop or oven to heat your home.
• Check on your neighbors. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
• Go to a community location with power if heat or cold is extreme.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances, equipment, or electronics. Power may return with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can cause damage.
• Throw away any food that has been exposed to temperatures 40 degrees or higher for two hours or more, or that has an unusual odor, color, or texture.
• If the power is out for more than a day, discard any medication that should be refrigerated, unless the drug’s label says otherwise. If a life depends on refrigerated drugs, consult a doctor or pharmacist and use medicine only until a new supply is available.