SHENANDOAH, VA – Strong winds and heavy rains swept through the Shenandoah Valley over the weekend, leaving thousands of residents without power. The severe weather downed trees and power lines, causing widespread outages and disrupting daily life.
Powerful Winds and Saturated Ground Lead to Outages
On February 16, powerful wind gusts of up to 60 mph ripped through the region, toppling trees and knocking out power lines. The ground was already soaked from recent rainfall, making it easier for trees to fall under the force of the wind. As a result, thousands of residents found themselves without electricity, some for several hours and others for even longer.
Utility Crews Work Around the Clock
Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative (SVEC) reported that more than 7,000 customers were affected by the storm. Crews were immediately dispatched to restore power, but the widespread damage made the process challenging.
“We understand how frustrating it is to be without power, and our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service,” an SVEC spokesperson said.
Shenandoah National Park Also Hit
The storm didn’t just affect homes and businesses—Shenandoah National Park also experienced power outages. The Visitor Center at Big Meadows was forced to close due to the outage, leaving visitors without access to park resources.
Safety Reminders for Residents
SVEC is urging residents to stay clear of any downed power lines, as they can be extremely dangerous. People should report outages and fallen lines immediately by calling (800) 234-7832. For faster service, customers can also use the MySVEC mobile app, which allows users to report outages and check restoration updates.
Restoration Efforts Underway
Utility workers are prioritizing areas with the most significant outages first, but full restoration may take time. Residents are encouraged to prepare for potential extended outages by having flashlights, batteries, and emergency supplies on hand.
Shenandoah’s History with Severe Weather
This isn’t the first time the Shenandoah Valley has faced major storm-related power outages. In October 1995, Hurricane Opal’s remnants caused widespread damage, leaving thousands without power. More recently, in August 2024, Hurricane Debby brought similar destruction, knocking down trees and power lines across the region.
Looking Ahead
As extreme weather becomes more frequent, SVEC is working on improving infrastructure to withstand storms better. Meanwhile, residents are encouraged to stay alert, follow safety guidelines, and be prepared for potential weather disruptions.
For updates on power restoration, residents can visit SVEC’s website or check the MySVEC app.
