Local crews tackle debris and restore power after Monday storms Local crews in Central Virginia worked to clear debris and restore power following storms that brought strong winds and heavy rain on Monday. The storms left behind downed trees, scattered power outages, and cleanup efforts across the region. Conditions improved by late afternoon, but earlier storms had caused dark clouds, heavy rain, and gusty winds in the ABC 13 viewing area. The impact varied by location, with many areas experiencing limited damage such as fallen limbs and trees. In Brookneal, crews focused on removing a large tree that snapped and fell into a power line, causing a brief outage. Town workers spent part of the day cutting and clearing the tree from the roadway to ensure safe passage. Tyrone Dews, a representative from the Town of Brookneal, described the storm as having heavy rain that lasted briefly but with stronger winds than expected. He noted that crews used equipment to move large debris off the road, with machines assisting in handling the heaviest materials to reopen the highway safely. Utility crews from Dominion Energy were also on-site, working to restore power to affected areas. Residents in Brookneal reported that the wind was the most noticeable aspect of the storm, though overall damage appeared to be minimal. At the Lynchburg Regional Airport, rain and wind caused some flight delays earlier in the day before conditions improved. By the afternoon, skies had cleared across much of the region as crews completed debris removal and restored services where needed. Tornado warnings had been issued for several Central Virginia counties and cities earlier in the day, but they expired as the severe storms moved through.#dominion_energy #central_virginia #brookneal #tyrone_dews #lynchburg_regional_airport
What’s your plan if you lose power? Here’s what not to do Staying safe during a power outage depends on actions you take—and actions you don’t. Rodney Oddoye, chief operating officer of Pepco Holdings, warned that downed power lines pose serious risks. “If anyone sees any downed wire, stay away from it and call us,” he said, emphasizing the importance of keeping a safe distance. Pepco’s emergency number is 1-877-737-2662, and customers in Northern Virginia should contact Dominion Energy or NOVEC depending on their location. When lighting is needed, flashlights are the safest option. Oddoye discouraged the use of candles due to the fire hazard they pose. Portable generators should also be avoided unless used outdoors and placed at least 20 feet away from buildings, as carbon monoxide poisoning is a significant risk. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) advises against using gas stoves or ovens to heat homes during outages, as this can lead to dangerous conditions. Food safety is another critical concern. The refrigerator and freezer will maintain cold temperatures for about four hours without power, but perishable items should be discarded if they warm to 40 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more hours. FEMA recommends throwing out any food that looks, smells, or tastes unusual after an outage, even if it hasn’t reached unsafe temperatures. These precautions highlight the importance of preparedness during power disruptions. By avoiding common mistakes and following expert guidance, individuals can minimize risks and ensure their safety during extended outages.#rodney_oddoye #pepco_holdings #dominion_energy #novec #fema
