Power outages down to 70,000 statewide, McDonnell says
Gov. Bob McDonnell’s office reported this afternoon that more than 70,000 power customers statewide are still in the dark following last weekend’s storms, which have been blamed for at least 13 deaths. Here’s the daily update provided by the governor’s office:
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued an update today regarding Virginia’s ongoing recovery from the powerful derecho and thunderstorms that occurred June 29-30. As of noon, details on the impact of the storms and ongoing recovery efforts are listed below.
“This historic time of extended power outages has brought together local governments, volunteer groups, state agencies and utility companies to work in close coordination to care for our citizens and restore essential services as quickly as possible, ” said Governor McDonnell. “It has been a trying time, and I am grateful for the progress that has been made and the patience our citizens have shown. We will continue our around-the-clock efforts until power has been restored to every household. In the meantime, I ask that every citizen be extremely careful in these high temperatures and seek cool places away from the intense heat.”
Power Outages as of 11:30 a.m.:
Statewide 70,601
APCO 65,512
· City of Lynchburg 9,863
· Roanoke, City of 9,581
· Amherst County 7,627
· Roanoke County 5,247
· Bedford County 3,831
· Giles County 3,584
Dominion Power 5,089
· Shenandoah Valley/Western Piedmont 3,963
· Northern Virginia 760
· Richmond Metro/Tri-Cities 253
Fatalities
Storm-related fatalities: 13
· Two in Albemarle County; two in Bedford County; one in Chesapeake; four in Fairfax County; one in Loudoun County; one in Montgomery County; one in Richmond and one in Roanoke
Roads Closed
120 closed (11 primary road and 109 secondary roads). Previous numbers were incorrect due to a software reporting error.
Current State Response
· The Virginia Department of Emergency Management is coordinated delivery of water, generators and other supplies to localities, upon request. Only one generator, in Alleghany County, is still in use. All other generators have been released.
· VDEM is providing volunteer coordination. Volunteers have prepared more than 6,000 meals, donated bottled water and provided equipment and generators.
· VDEM has an event blog to record state response, track the opening of cooling centers and provide information to the public at www.virginiaderecho.tumblr.com
· The Virginia Department of Transportation continues to coordinate with utility workers to open roads so that power lines can be repaired. Drivers can call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org for road conditions. Report road issues to 1-800-FOR-ROAD.
· The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued heat safety information. Virginians should take precautions from the effects of high heat:
o Keep cool in an air-conditioned area. Visit malls, local libraries, local cooling centers, or stay with family or friends who have air conditioning.
o Take cold baths and showers to cool down.
o Drink 2-4 glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour, regardless of your activity level.
o Be aware that fans by themselves in extreme temperatures are not enough to prevent heat-related illnesses.
o Those who need shelter, water or food should check with local social services departments, local emergency management officials, or volunteer groups for assistance.
Local Response
· Nine local shelters are open; this number changes with need.
· Localities are opening cooling centers to provide daytime relief from the heat for their citizens. To find cooling shelters, people should listen to their local media, call their local emergency management officials, or go to www.virginiaderecho.tumblr.com
July 6, 2012 - 2:15 PM
There were still many outages in Pulaski County as of Friday July 6, but not listed here. A lot of the cooling shelters closed Friday as well.
I know two people in Montgomery County who are now going on their 12th day without power.
Having gone twelve days without power in the middle of the summer (hurricane), I understand the frustrations. However, there are ALWAYS exceptions to the rule, and those exceptions are people who live in highly UNpopulated areas. The power companies have to prioritize. If they can fix an area that has a thousand households before fixing one that has five households, guess what they – and any rational person – will do?
Those still without power have my sympathies, but also need to understand that their choice to live ‘outside’ crowded areas with lots of neighbors has a balance to the scales. The once every three decades that this happens, they will be last in line.
My sincere hope is that they make a point of thanking the EXTREMELY hard working utility employees who have provided them recovery, and that they’re not just bitter and unaware of the work it takes to maintain utilities.