A significant coastal storm will impact the local area this weekend. Rain, wind, and coastal flooding impacts could start as early as Saturday, peaking Sunday into Monday.
A&N Electric Cooperative is prepared to respond to power outages associated with the severe weather.
According to the National Weather Service:
- Moderate to major coastal flooding is expected Sunday. The highest water levels are anticipated along the Atlantic coast and across the lower Chesapeake Bay.
- Increasingly gusty winds will develop by late Saturday night and will continue Sunday. Impacts will be greatest along the immediate coast, with wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Isolated power outages are possible.
- Heavy rain and areas of flash flooding are possible Saturday night and Sunday. Rainfall totals will be highest east of I-95.
For more information on the effects of this storm, please see The National Weather Service Wakefield Office
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.
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