Freezing rain causes power outages

As freezing rain continues to sweep across southwest Virginia, power outages have forced many businesses to close. However, in Abingdon, a local grocery store remains open, providing a vital resource for residents caught unprepared by the storm. The winter storm has brought heavy snow, sleet, and freezing rain across parts of the Appalachian Power service area, leaving more than 1,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

Caroline Neal, a key holder at Food Country, described the challenging conditions: “Trying to get through my yard. Down the road over there was just solid sheet of ice. Then when I walked on around, there was power line laying across the road.”

Despite the adverse weather, staff at Food Country in Abingdon have kept the lights on, ensuring residents have access to essential supplies. “We want to make sure you know if somebody comes out that they need milk or bread or whatever. You know that you know they have opportunity to do that, because if everything else is shut down, then you know they might need it. You just don’t know,” said Neal.

Meanwhile, in the Meadow View area, slick roads, fallen trees, and ice-covered power lines have left several neighborhoods without power since Sunday afternoon. Appalachian Power has stated that during major outages, crews prioritize restoring electricity to critical services like hospitals and emergency facilities before addressing neighborhoods and individual homes.

Izzy Post Ruhland from Appalachian Power said, “They’re out there when it’s safe to do so already doing work. And you know, once conditions clear, and we get the all clear to go out there, we’ll be restoring power as quickly as we can.”