Remnants of Zeta to bring wind, rain
Published 7:57 pm Wednesday, October 28, 2020
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Plenty of wind and rain are in store for Hampton Roads on Thursday as the remains of Hurricane Zeta make their way through the region.
The National Weather Service says rain is likely between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m., with a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2 p.m. Wind will increase to near 30 miles per hour in the afternoon, with gusts as high as 44 mph.
Towards Thursday night, rain is expected after 8 p.m., and wind should be dying down after midnight.
Counties as nearby as Halifax and Charlotte are under a tropical storm warning.
Throughout Wednesday, Hurricane Zeta approached the Gulf Coast and made landfall near Cocodrie, La. It was expected to track across the Southeast quickly.
Dominion Energy spokesman Jeremy Slayton said Wednesday the company was preparing for the possibility of power outages. He said customers should report and track outages using the mobile app or online at dominionenergy.com. The phone number to report an outage is 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
Below are some ways people can prepare for power outages and stay safe during a storm:
Create an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, cleaning supplies and face coverings.
Prepare a first-aid kit with bandages, anti-bacterial wipes, over-the-counter medications, and prescription medications.
Remember to carry your healthcare information with you and to prepare your medical devices, especially if you are disabled or elderly.
Download the Dominion Energy app to track restoration efforts and report outages quickly and easily.
Prepare a supply of water and non-perishable food.
Charge your phone and other electronic devices fully before the storm arrives.
Make sure your contact information is updated in our system so that we have a way to get in touch with you.
Beware of downed power lines. Assume they are energized and dangerous. Stay at least 30 feet away and make sure your family, pets and neighbors also avoid the downed wire. Call Dominion Energy right away to speak with an agent to report the downed wire. Virginia and North Carolina customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
Properly connect your generator. If you have a generator, be sure it is fueled, tested, and properly connected before the severe weather arrives. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and always operate outdoors with good ventilation. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and for line crews working to restore power.