MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia residents were able to have lights by the end of Tuesday night after strong winds knocked out power for most of the afternoon.
First Energy subsidiary Mon Power crews addressed calls as early as 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday after wind gusts that reached as high as over 40 miles per hour hit parts of Monongalia, Preston and Marion counties.
According to a statement issued by First Energy State and Regulatory Communications Supervisor Lauren Siburkis, just over 7,000 total customers were impacted by storms today with over 1,900 customers reportedly affected in the Greater Morgantown area. Customers were without power in both Monongalia and Marion counties until almost 8:00 p.m. Tuesday night with the majority of services restored before midnight.
“Safety is our TOP PRIORITY,” said Siburkis in her statement to WAJR. “Please use caution if you must go outdoors. There could be downed- or low-hanging power lines hidden in storm debris or downed trees. If you see any downed- or low-hanging wire, assume it is energized and dangerous; stay far away and report it immediately to 911.”