Hundreds remain in the dark after storms hit Southwest & Central Virginia

Odyssey Fields
·2 min read

UPDATE 9:15 P.M. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)– Appalachian Power reports power has been restored in multiple areas of the region.

According to the AEP outage map, widespread outages are occurring in Wythe County and Henry County.

WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.

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UPDATE 6:01 P.M. ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)– AEP is still working to restore power in areas across the region, as heavy winds, additional rainfall, and flooding have proven to be a challenge in restoration efforts.

Currently, AEP reports about 2,200 customers across the state are currently without power. The majority of outages in the Commonwealth include Franklin, Pittsylvania, and Roanoke counties, with repairs needed in different 180 locations across Virginia and West Virginia.

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AEP still says power is expected to be restored by 11 p.m. for 90% of affected customers. The power company states restoration may extend further in isolated instances where extensive repairs are needed.

WFXR News will update this story as further information is released.

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UPDATE: 11:03 A.M.: ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — AEP says after heavy rain and winds roared across the region last night, outages peaked at 18,000 in its coverage area. In Virginia, the strong storm system left about 4,000 customers without power.

Currently, the majority of outages in the Commonwealth are concentrated in Bedford, Giles, Patrick, and Roanoke Counties.

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The company says power is expected to be restored by 11 p.m. on April 12, for 90% of affected customers. Restoration times may extend further in instances where extensive repairs are needed. However, in some areas, power can be restored before this time.

AEP says crews are assessing damage and repairs are needed at over 300 locations. This number is expected to increase as wind gusts continue throughout the day.

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ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — Thunderstorms surged through Southwest and Central Virginia with strong wind gusts on April 11 knocking power out for hundreds of Appalachian Power customers overnight. Now, more than 3,000 customers are waking up in the dark across Virginia on Friday morning.

According to the AEP outage map, the majority of outages in our region are currently in Montgomery County with 804 customers, and in Roanoke County with 746 customers without service.

Several small outages have sparked across Southwest and Central Virginia including:

  • Amherst County: 140

  • Bedford County: 245

  • Buchanan County: 518

  • Franklin County: 260

  • Giles County: 139

  • Patrick County: 462

  • Roanoke County: 737

AEP is reminding residents to have emergency kits ready to go when losing service, and if a power line is down, assume it is live and do not touch it.

To check the status of a power outage in your area, visit the AEP website. All power outages can be reported by calling 888-710-4237, or entering a report here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.