Counties Hit the Hardest
A strong storm system swept through Virginia, cutting off power for nearly 20,000 Dominion Energy customers. Henrico, Hanover, Goochland, and Richmond were among the most affected areas. Moreover, towns like Glen Allen and Ashland experienced full blackouts. Even city areas saw traffic signals fail, businesses close, and services disrupted.
Extreme Heat Amplifies the Danger
In addition to power outages, high temperatures above 90°F (32°C) made things worse. Without AC or fans, residents—especially seniors and children—faced high risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration. To address this, emergency cooling centers opened in several locations.
Ongoing Recovery Efforts
Thankfully, utility teams acted quickly. By late Friday, around 80% of homes had power restored. However, due to downed trees and damaged infrastructure, some regions may wait until Saturday.
Watch vs. Warning: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand these alerts:
- Watch: Conditions are right for severe weather—stay prepared.
- Warning: Severe weather is happening now—take shelter immediately.
Knowing the difference could help save lives.
What to Do When the Power Goes Out
- Keep fridge doors shut to preserve food.
- Use flashlights, not candles.
- Stay hydrated and cool.
- Avoid outdoor activity unless necessary.
- Check on elderly neighbors or those with medical conditions.
What If the Outage Lasts Longer?
- Consider moving to a friend or relative’s home.
- Use a battery-powered radio for updates.
- Call 911 if someone shows signs of heat illness.
Looking Ahead: Are We Ready?
Clearly, this storm tested Virginia’s readiness. Both utility providers and citizens must improve response strategies. With climate change causing more frequent events like this, being prepar…