Dominion Energy Watching Tropical Storm Elsa

Dominion Energy is carefully watching Tropical Storm Elsa and its potential impact to the Commonwealth of Virginia from 8:00 p.m. Thursday to 2:00 a.m. Friday.  Planning began earlier this week to have the necessary personnel and resources in place before the storm arrives. 

We are currently expecting 1-3” of rain across much of Central and Eastern Virginia regions.  Winds are expected to run from 15-25 mph sustained, including 35-45 mph gusts possible in all locations east of the current anticipated track.  It’s important to note that some model guidance has a track further to the west and we may need to shift our forecast. 

If an outage event occurs, Dominion Energy and contract crews will begin repair and restoration operations as soon as it is safe to do so.  As with all outage situations, we will give high priority to restoring service to critical public facilities such as water treatment plants, public safety operations, hospitals and important municipal facilities. 

We encourage you to keep the following safe practices in mind in preparing for and dealing with the storm:

• Put together an emergency preparedness kit with needed supplies such as flashlights, water, medicines, portable radios, extra batteries and non-perishable goods.  For more information on how to assemble a kit, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/outage-center/outage-safety-and-preparation or please view the attached document in my e-mail.
• Establish an online, “Manage Your Account” with Dominion Energy Virginia at www.dominionenergy.com and update it with your telephone number, including your cell phone number or download the Dominion Energy App for your mobile device.  This will ensure the accurate and timely reporting if you have a power outage and provide updates on restoration and other important information.  We recently upgraded our outage maps, with special focus on mobile access. 
• Sign up to receive Central Virginia text alerts from Dominion Energy.  Text CEN to 898366 from any mobile device. (Standard message and data rates may apply.)
• Stay in touch with Dominion Energy on Twitter:  www.twitter.com/DominionEnergy and Facebook at www.facebook.com/dominionenergy. Both are good sources of information and updates throughout the storm event. 
• Communicate with family and friends about emergency plans in the event of extended outages.
• Make sure all prescription medications are filled.
• Have a full tank of gas in your car and mobile devices are charged.
• If you have pets, please make sure you have provided for them as well. 
• If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the severe weather arrives.  Never use a generator indoors. 

Once the storm arrives:

• Report or check the status of your power outage at https://www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/report-outage-or-emergency by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
• Stay at least 30 feet away from all downed power lines.  Always consider them energized and dangerous, even if you do not see sparks or hear the lines snapping.  Call us at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to report downed lines.  Also, always assume any downed lines pose an imminent threat to life and property. 

Sarah A. Marshall
External Affairs Manager
State and Local Affairs, Central Virginia
sarah.a.marshall@dominionenergy.com