Thousands of Dominion Energy customers across Hampton Roads were left without electricity as storms swept through the region, prompting utility crews to fan out for repairs, according to multiple reports.
Widespread outages
Local outlets reported that outage totals fluctuated as weather conditions shifted, with figures ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of affected customers at different points. According to 13News Now, the number of people without power climbed into the tens of thousands at its peak, while WAVY reported thousands affected as the storm system moved across the area.
The discrepancy in reported figures reflects the rapidly changing nature of storm-related outages, in which downed lines, wind damage and equipment failures can drive numbers up or down within hours. The exact peak total and the precise timeline of the outages could not be independently confirmed across sources.
Restoration efforts
Dominion Energy crews were dispatched to assess damage and restore service to affected neighborhoods, outlets report. Utilities typically prioritize repairs that return power to the largest number of customers first, along with critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services, before moving to smaller, more localized outages.
Restoration times during storm events can vary widely depending on the severity of the damage, the accessibility of affected equipment and continuing hazardous weather. Customers are generally advised to report outages directly to the utility and to treat any downed power lines as live and dangerous.
A recurring challenge for the region
Hampton Roads, a low-lying coastal region, is repeatedly tested by severe weather that strains the electrical grid. Similar events have hit the area before, including when storms knocked out power for thousands across Hampton Roads and when a winter storm snarled travel and cut power throughout the region.
In past incidents, service has typically been restored in stages as crews work through damaged infrastructure. Earlier this year, power was restored in downtown Norfolk after an outage affected thousands there, illustrating the kind of phased recovery residents can expect during widespread events.
What residents should know
- Report outages to Dominion Energy and check the utility’s outage map for updates.
- Stay clear of downed lines and assume any fallen wire is energized.
- Prepare for extended restoration times if weather conditions remain hazardous.
- Keep flashlights and backup power sources ready during storm season.
As of the latest available reporting, crews remained active in the field and outage numbers continued to shift. The full scope of the damage and a definitive restoration timeline had not been confirmed. Officials and the utility were expected to provide additional updates as conditions stabilized.
Related coverage
- Power Restored in Downtown Norfolk After Outage Hits Thousands
- Storms Batter Coastal Virginia and N.C., Cutting Power
- Severe Storms Batter Hampton Roads, Northeastern NC With Flooding
This report synthesizes coverage from multiple news outlets.
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