RICHMOND, Va. — After two winter storms last week left thousands without power, Dominion Energy is gearing up for another round of potentially severe weather, including snowfall expected later this week.
Storm preparation, according to Dominion Energy spokesperson Craig Carper, is a year-round endeavor. “It’s 365 days a year. We want it to be that way so, when severe weather hits, all we’ve got to do is gas up the trucks, make sure the equipment’s loaded and go,” Carper explained.
The utility company reported that 236,000 customers were affected by power outages during the week of February 10, with many of the disruptions concentrated in the Greater Richmond area. Residents, like Stephen Palmore, felt the impact firsthand. “We were without power for 36 hours,” said Palmore, a West Richmond resident who, along with his neighbors, experienced a prolonged outage.
“We’ve got elderly people in this neighborhood [and] they cannot get out and about for resources like I can,” Palmore added. “I lost a little bit of food during the outage.” Crews arrived on Tuesday, the day after the initial outage, to restore power.
Carper explained that Dominion crews must assess the damage before repairs can begin. In some cases, this involves removing fallen trees or replacing utility poles, which can require additional equipment and time. “It’s different for every call,” Carper said, acknowledging the challenges crews face when responding to outages.
As the region braces for another winter storm forecasted for Wednesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 20, Dominion Energy is focused on preparing for potential impacts. However, Carper expressed optimism that this storm may not be as disruptive as the previous one. The forecast predicts a drier snow, which could minimize damage to power lines and reduce the likelihood of widespread outages.
“We’re looking at a drier snow, which is encouraging,” Carper said. “That means a lower potential for serious impacts.” Typically, it’s the weight of wet snow or ice that causes power lines to snap, leading to power disruptions. A drier snow is less likely to bring the same level of risk.
Even though the storm’s impact may be less severe, Carper emphasized the importance of preparation. “We always recommend nonperishable food, cases of bottled water, batteries, flashlights, candles — those kinds of things,” he said. Additionally, Carper advised residents to refill prescriptions and fully charge all devices in case of extended outages.
For those experiencing power disruptions, Dominion Energy offers several ways to report outages, including through the company’s app, online, or by calling their outage hotline at 1-866-366-4357. The app also provides updates on restoration times.
As the storm approaches, both Dominion Energy and local residents are bracing for the unpredictable nature of winter weather, knowing that power outages can happen at any time. Preparedness remains key to mitigating the challenges that these storms often bring.
