A Blizzard Warning has been issued for the local area beginning Sunday and continuing into Monday. A&N Electric Cooperative will continue to monitor weather forecasts.
Portions of the local service area are expected to receive significant snowfall from the storm. Early projections anticipate the local area receiving as much as 4 to 8 inches of snow. Strong winds associated with the storm have the potential to cause some scattered power outages. Snowfall could lead to hazardous travel conditions, particularly during periods of heavier snow.
Cooperative personnel will be ready to respond to any weather-related power outages as they arise. The cooperative is urging members to prepare for the possibility of some scattered power outages through the duration of the storm.
Poor road conditions have the potential to prolong outage restorations.
Residents in the cooperative’s service territory should continue to monitor official forecast updates as the weekend approaches.
Blizzard Warning in Effect from 1 p.m. Sunday to 7 p.m. Monday
WHAT - Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 4 and 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 to 50mph.
WHERE - Accomack County.
WHEN - From 1 PM Sunday to 7 PM EST Monday.
IMPACTS - Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS
Travel should be restricted to emergencies only. If you must travel, have a winter survival kit with you. If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle. Call 511 for road information.
DETAILED FORECAST
Sunday - Rain before 5pm, then rain, possibly mixed with snow. High near 43. North wind 6 to 11 mph increasing to 12 to 17 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Sunday Night - Rain and snow, possibly mixed with sleet, becoming all snow after 10pm. The snow could be heavy at times. Low around 31. Windy, with a northwest wind 21 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow and sleet accumulation of 3 to 7 inches possible.
Monday - A chance of snow before 1pm, then a chance of rain and snow between 1pm and 4pm, then a chance of rain after 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 38. Windy, with a northwest wind 21 to 26 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
REPORTING OUTAGES
Co-op members should report an outage through one of the following methods:
- Through the cooperative’s SmartHub app
- Text OUT to (855) 940-4016
- Call (757) 787-9750
Do not report power outages or hazardous situations through social media. Please use one of the three options above, which are connected to our outage management system.
DOWNED POWER LINES
The cooperative anticipates the possibility of some downed power lines due to the nature of this storm. Co-op members are urged to maintain a safe distance from any downed lines and to report the issue to the cooperative or 911 immediately. For safety, treat any downed line as if it was an energized power line.
Vehicles should not attempt to drive over fallen power lines across roadways. Instead, maintain a safe distance, report the issue and wait for a qualified electric line crew to remove the hazard.
CHECK YOUR BREAKER
In the event you lose power, please check your main outside breaker (if applicable) to ensure an overloaded circuit didn’t trip, resulting in power loss to only your home. Reset any tripped breakers as necessary. If you remain without power, please report it. Checking your breakers prior to reporting an outage can cut down on unnecessary service calls during larger-scale outages.
PORTABLE GENERATORS
A portable generator may be very beneficial during an extended outage. Generators can also pose serious safety hazards to you and to others. Be sure to follow all safety instructions provided by the manufacturer. Generators produce carbon monoxide, please follow these safety instructions:
- Keep generators at least 20 feet away from your home
- Position generators so exhaust is directed away from windows and doors
- Don't use generators in enclosed spaces like garages or basements
- Ensure generators have enough space for ventilation