LOUISA, VIRGINIA – The Louisa County Board of Supervisors has declared a local State of Emergency ahead of a major winter storm set to impact the area from Tuesday morning, February 11, through Wednesday afternoon, February 12. Forecasters predict heavy snowfall and ice accumulation, leading to hazardous road conditions and potential power outages.

“Please avoid driving during the storm,” urged Louisa County Chairman Duane Adams. “If travel is necessary, use extreme caution and give first responders and snow plows the right of way.”

As the storm approaches, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is urging residents to prepare for widespread and prolonged power outages due to expected heavy, wet snow, sleet, and freezing rain.

“This storm is reminiscent of Winter Storm Frida (2022), which left over 90,000 members without power for days,” said Casey Hollins, Managing Director of Communications and Public Relations at REC. “While this storm is forecasted to be less intense, heavy wet snow can topple trees, break power poles, and severely impact the electric grid.”

REC’s Preparations Include:

✅ Pre-staging critical materials (poles, crossarms, and essential equipment) for rapid repairs
✅ Deploying crews early Tuesday morning for immediate response
✅ Stockpiling warehouse supplies in anticipation of widespread damage
✅ Securing extra contract crews from multiple electric cooperatives

How Residents Can Prepare for the Storm

🔹 Have an alternative heat source, such as a generator (see safety tips below)
🔹 Gather extra blankets, sweaters, and warm clothing
🔹 If you rely on electricity for medical equipment, review your emergency plan
🔹 Bookmark REC’s Outage Center
🔹 Report power outages via text (“OUT” to 63273), online, or the MyREC SmartHub app

Safety Reminders for Severe Weather

⚠ Stay clear of downed power lines – Always assume they are energized and dangerous. Call 911 and report downed lines to REC at 800-552-3904.

⚠ Generator Safety

• Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space (carbon monoxide danger!)
• Use a transfer switch if connecting to home wiring to prevent backfeeding
• Refuel only when the generator is off and cooled down

As the storm approaches, residents are urged to take this threat seriously, stay off the roads if possible, and prepare for potential power outages. Stay tuned to local alerts and emergency updates for the latest information.

Jen Bailey

Hi! I’m Jennifer Bailey and I partner with entrepreneurs who have massive ideas that could change the world. Most marketing is meaningless. Filled with empty promises, its only job is to bring in new traffic, new leads, and new customers. But I’ve drawn a line in the sand, and I’ve learned that marketing can do so much more than reach business goals and build profit. My methods give businesses the fire and soul they need to reach the right people, set the groundwork for sustainable relationships, and offer true value to the people on both the giving and receiving ends of marketing.

Read more about me here