Thousands without power as winds whip the Valley

Monique Calello, Staunton News Leader
Updated ·2 min read
1
A cold, windy day at Riverheads High School meant extra layers for Summer Wallace during track practice.
A cold, windy day at Riverheads High School meant extra layers for Summer Wallace during track practice.

Power outage updates:

  • As of 9 a.m. Thursday: Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative reports 1,451 outages in Augusta County. Dominion Energy reports 5 outages in Augusta County and 8 outages in Staunton.

  • 9:45 p.m. Wednesday: From a height of roughly 15,000 outages across SVEC’s service territory, the number remaining out is about 3,500, more than half of those in Rockingham County.

  • 5:27 p.m. Wednesday: SVEC reported 3,054 homes without power in Augusta County. SVEC reports "multiple broken poles and downed spans of wire" contributing to the outrages. Dominion's map shows over 450 homes without power in Staunton.

  • 4:04 p.m. Wednesday: 427 homes in Augusta County, 1,586 homes in Staunton, and six homes in Waynesboro are without power, according to Dominion Energy.

  • 3:40 p.m. Wednesday: 402 homes in Augusta County, 100 homes in Staunton, and six homes in Waynesboro are without power, according to Dominion Energy.

  • 3 p.m. Wednesday: 357 homes in Augusta County, 64 homes in Staunton, and six homes in Waynesboro are without power, according to Dominion Energy.

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind warning, according to a severe weather alert issued at 1:38 p.m. for Augusta County and the surrounding areas. The warning is in effect until 5 p.m. Wednesday.

West winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected.

Portions of central, northwest and western Virginia, and eastern West Virginia are under the warning. The previous wind advisory is still in effect until 8 p.m.

Damaging winds will blow down tree and power lines. Widespread power outages are expected. As of 2 p.m. Wednesday, 308 homes in Augusta County and 48 homes in Staunton are without power, according to Dominion Energy.

Travel will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles. Make preparations as soon as possible and take action within the next hour, said NWS.

The National Weather Service has also issued a red flag warning for Augusta County. With the relative humidity as a low as 20% and the combination of dry conditions and strong gusty winds, conditions for the rapid spread of fire is favorable, said NWS. Fuel moisture is less than 10% for 10-hour fuels.

Track wildfires and smoke in Virginia: Wildfire smoke map

More: National Weather Service issues red flag warning for Augusta County

More: VSP: Funds missing, ex-Highland County administrator under investigation

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Thousands without power as winds whip the valley