Electric utility providers throughout the Washington metropolitan region are mobilizing extensive resources as a powerful winter storm threatens to bring heavy snow, significant ice buildup, and dangerously cold temperatures over the weekend. Power companies are warning customers to prepare for the possibility of widespread outages as the storm is expected to intensify from Saturday night through Monday.
At Pepco’s operations center in Rockville, Maryland, utility trucks and crews have already begun deploying in advance of the storm. Company officials described the situation as a full-scale response, with all available personnel and equipment placed on standby. Pepco leadership indicated that every line crew and operational resource is being positioned strategically to respond as quickly as possible once conditions deteriorate.
Utility officials emphasized that the storm presents a dual challenge due to the combination of ice accumulation and extreme cold. Forecasts predict wind chills dropping below zero in some areas, increasing stress on electrical infrastructure. In addition to frozen precipitation weighing down power lines, elevated electricity usage from heating appliances could heighten the risk of outages during the coldest periods.
Further south, Dominion Energy Virginia is also preparing for what the company expects could be a prolonged restoration effort affecting much of Virginia and northeastern North Carolina. Company officials identified ice accumulation exceeding a quarter inch as their primary concern, noting that such conditions can lead to widespread tree damage and downed power lines. Regions at higher risk include Central and Northern Virginia, Southside communities, southeastern Virginia, and parts of North Carolina.
Dominion Energy has activated hundreds of crews and thousands of personnel, including line workers, inspectors, foresters, contractors, and mutual aid teams from neighboring states. Additional assistance is being arranged to reinforce response efforts if needed. While snowfall is expected to begin late Saturday, officials anticipate that major power disruptions are more likely to occur Sunday afternoon after ice and snow have had time to accumulate.
Restoration priorities will focus on critical facilities such as hospitals, water treatment plants, schools, and areas with the highest number of outages. Utility providers are coordinating closely with emergency management agencies to ensure roads are cleared and access routes remain open. However, icy conditions and fallen trees could make some locations inaccessible for up to two days. In such cases, drones may be used to assess damage remotely.
Both utilities are urging customers to take immediate steps to prepare, including charging electronic devices, stocking emergency supplies, and safely preparing generators. Residents are also reminded to stay far away from downed power lines and report hazards promptly. With extreme cold expected to persist after the storm, utilities say systems have been inspected and reinforced to handle increased demand as crews remain ready to respond.
