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Power crews ready to respond to potential outages in Northeast North Carolina, Hampton Roads areas

power crews
Posted at 6:30 PM, Jan 20, 2022
and last updated 2022-01-20 23:40:28-05

MOYOCK, N.C. – Dominion Energy power crews are ready to respond to any potential outages over the next couple of days.

Snow is expected to move into northeastern North Carolina first starting Friday, and then make its way to Hampton Roads.

Power crews are equipped to handle downed wires from high winds and heavy snow, which could also bring down tree limbs that hit power lines and cut off service.

Dominion Energy spokesperson Paula Miller said people need to be cautious of downed power lines.

“Don’t go near a power line,” she said. “Always assume it's energized, especially when it's covered. You may not know if there's a power line down and it's covered by snow. So, we need people to be very cautious when there’s a tendency to want to go out and play in the snow."

Workers at Taylor’s Do it Center on Lark Drive in Moyock are staying busy.

“People have been coming in buying a lot of flashlights,” said Logan Burns, a floor associate at the hardware store. “People think the power’s going to go out.”

Many, like Myra Umphlett are also stocking up on, shovels, batteries and rock salt.

“I’m excited,” Umphlett laughed. “I want to see some snow.”

She’s excited and ready in case the snowstorm knocks out power.

“Today, I went and bought a generator,” Umphlett said. “I’m 60 years old and never had one, but I just feel like this is going to be something big.”

If the storm does pack a powerful punch, crews with Dominion Energy are ready to roll. Extra workers are on standby to help throughout the Albemarle region.

“Our crews will be there wherever they’re needed,” said Paula Miller, a spokesperson for Dominion Energy.

It’s that heavy, wet snow and strong winds that could bring down power lines.

“People need to be extra vigilant,” Miller said.

For now, as many prepare for the worst, all they can do is wait.

“I do have a doctor’s appointment in the morning in Virginia Beach, but we’ll see how that goes,” Umphlett laughed.

For those using generators, make sure they’re fueled, tested and properly connected. Use them in a well-ventilated area; don’t use them indoors.

Also, if the power goes out, check in with elderly neighbors and don’t forget about your pets.

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