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The number of power outages in Prince Edward County rose by more than 1,000 overnight. The same goes for both Cumberland and Buckingham counties. And neither Dominion Energy or Southside Electric Cooperative (SEC) can promise the outages are over. In fact, as rain continues to fall and then freeze, companies are issuing warnings that it might be this weekend before the lights come back on and full power restoration happens for some people. 

“As outage restoration efforts continue, members may experience outages through the weekend,” SEC officials said in a statement posted to the group’s social media. “As precipitation continues, SEC anticipates additional outages to occur.” 

Power lines were still down across multiple roads in Cumberland and Prince Edward as of Thursday morning. The main problem for most work crews was figuring out how to get to the damaged areas. For example, Forest View Road in Cumberland had the road blocked both ways due to downed lines and trees, making crews clear away debris in an effort that took quite a bit of time. In Prospect, multiple trees fell on Olive Branch Road, not even two hours after crews had just been through the area, repairing lines. This time, the trees also damaged several electric company transformers. That’s been the ongoing problem. As crews clean up one issue, another pops up. 

“Trees are our main issue,” Dominion officials said in a statement, pointing out that a lot of the damage isn’t accessible by truck. Instead, work crews are using ice cleats, chainsaws and in some cases climbing gear to access the damaged lines. “Restoration takes a bit longer, but we’re getting it done as fast as we can and as safe as we can.” 

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reports multiple downed trees on U.S. 460, Route 24 and U.S. 60. 

Both companies said they have crews working around the clock to get the lights back on. First shift started at 6 a.m. and will work until 9 p.m., when the night shift takes over. At this point, thousands of workers from multiple states are involved in repair work. 

Outages keep climbing due to ice 

As of 7:30 a.m. Thursday, 68.5% of Prince Edward County was still in the dark. That totals 7,916 homes. A total of 2,915 homes were without power in Cumberland and 2,601 in Buckingham. Prince Edward saw some of the most damage in the region, with only Campbell County reporting more outages at 12,932. 

Part of the reason for that is the type of storm we’re dealing with. As rain continues to fall in the region, it then freezes overnight. Dominion officials pointed out each time that happens, the trees get heavier, weighed down with more ice. Heavier trees start to lean on and eventually snap power lines when they fall, creating more outages and additional points for companies to respond. 

It also hasn’t helped that residents continue to try and drive on icy roads. That’s led to multiple accidents, a total of 121 in this region, according to Virginia State Police. Several of those accidents led to more broken power poles and lines damaged. Multiple agencies have asked residents to stay home today if possible. 

“Please stay off the roads to keep our partner fire departments, law enforcement, utility workers and VDOT safe as they work to clear travel lanes and restore utility service,” Buckingham County Emergency Services said in a statement. That’s been echoed by sheriff’s offices in both Buckingham and Prince Edward, as well as state police. 

The problem this morning is all the snow and ice that melted yesterday refroze overnight. Add in expected thunderstorms this morning and then that water, in turn, will freeze, causing more problems. The forecast calls for rain to continue today in the region, which will in turn keep saturating the ground. 

When will full power restoration happen? 

Both companies say they’re no longer giving estimated power restoration times, acknowledging that it’s going to take days to clean up all the damage.