Appalachian Power expects W.Va. restoration efforts to extend through the weekend

WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — UPDATED – 7:45 p.m. 1/12/24

More than 20,000 West Virginia customers lost power Friday after high winds moved through the region.

Appalachian Power expects that affected customers will have service restored by late Saturday evening, although areas with more damage may not have electricity until Sunday evening.

As of 7:45 p.m., outages were reported in Fayette (3,047), Lincoln (2,565), Raleigh (1,501), Boone (1,449), Clay (1,425), Kanawha (1,371), Logan (531), Wyoming (449), Wayne (294) and Greenbrier counties (165). Less than 150 outages were reported in Cabell, Jackson, Mason, Putnam and Roane counties combined.

The power company said 500 outside personnel are working into the weekend and another 700 employees are expected to assist in restoration efforts starting Saturday.

Customers are asked to avoid from using high-energy appliances such as stoves, ovens, washers and dryers for at least an hour after power is restored.

The power company noted that restoration times are subject to change until severe weather threats pass.

High winds are expected to continue into the weekend and may create additional outages. Gusts over 30 mph create unsafe working conditions for employees using bucket trucks.

Additional information on outages may be found on Appalachian Power’s website.

The Eyewitness News Storm Team will continue to provide coverage on weather throughout the weekend. To read the latest weather blog, click here.

UPDATED – 4:40 p.m., 1/12/24

The number of Appalachian Power customers in West Virginia without service has soared to more than 23,000 Friday afternoon.

The company reported more than 3,100 customers each in Kanawha and Fayette counties were without service as of 4:15 p.m. Friday. More than 2,600 in Fayette County were without power.

There were more than 1,800 customers each in Boone, Wayne and Raleigh counties with power. More than 1,500 were without service in Clay County.

The company also reported nearly 1,000 customers without service in Nicholas County.

The outages come as strong winds have been reported in several areas throughout the region. For the latest weather blog, click here.

ORIGINAL STORY

Thousands of Appalachian Power customers are without service Friday evening as strong winds whip through the region.

More than 9,000 customers are experiencing power outages in West Virginia, led by more than 2,300 in Lincoln and 2,200 in Fayette as of 2:30 p.m.

There are more than 1,700 customers in Raleigh County without service, followed by more than 750 in Clay and 330 in Kanawha.

There are several counties across the state currently reporting about 100 or less customers without service.