Heavy rain, scattered wintry precipitation, powerful winds and an historic cold front are predicted to barrel through Virginia beginning Thursday morning and into Saturday. A wind advisory and wind chill warnings are in effect for some counties for Friday and Saturday, as well.
As a result, REC urges member-owners to prepare for possible power outages beginning Friday and possibly into the holiday weekend.
"REC is carefully monitoring the expected heavy rain, potential ice, winds in excess of 40 mph and brutally cold temperatures in the forecast. We strongly encourage our member-owners to prepare now, too," said Casey Hollins, Managing Director — Communications and Public Relations.
The Cooperative has mobilized its field teams and contractors so they are ready to respond as quickly and safely as they can to any potential outages.
What to Do Before an Outage
Charge critical electronics such as cell phones before the storm arrives, and make sure your family has a flashlight with batteries and other essentials you may need. For a complete list of emergency items REC recommends, please visit myrec.coop/stormprep.
Other steps you can take now:
- Bookmark REC’s website to report an outage or to find the latest on restoration efforts. You also can sign up to receive Outage Text Alerts: myrec.coop/outagecenter.
- Remember that you can use your smart phone to report an outage at myrec.coop/out. You also can report an outage in MyREC SmartHub.
- Gather extra blankets, sweaters and other warm clothing.
- If someone in your home requires electricity for a serious medical condition, consider an alternate location with power that you can rely on during an outage.
