On the evening of August 2, 2024, severe thunderstorms swept through the Peninsula and Middle Peninsula regions of Virginia, leaving over 30,000 Dominion Power customers without electricity at the peak of the storm. As the storm progressed, reports of downed trees, damaged power lines, and traffic incidents began to emerge from various localities.
As of 1:30 a.m. on Saturday, approximately 5,000 customers remained without power, primarily concentrated in southeastern Virginia. The hardest-hit areas included Hampton, Newport News, and York County. Specifically, the outages were reported as follows:
- Hampton: 1,555 customers
- Newport News: 1,254 customers
- York County: 1,686 customers
In the Middle Peninsula, Gloucester County accounted for a significant number of outages, with 1,428 customers affected. Overall, the storm caused widespread disruption, as trees and power lines were reported down across multiple counties.
The storm’s intensity was marked by wind gusts exceeding 50 mph, prompting the issuance of severe thunderstorm warnings for the Historic Triangle and surrounding areas. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) reported traffic delays on Interstate 64 at mile marker 239.9 in York County due to the storm’s impact, with the east center lane, right lane, and right shoulder closed. As of 9:09 p.m., backups extended approximately two miles.
As the storm passed, the extent of damages across the region remained unclear, though local authorities were actively responding to reports of downed trees and power lines. The local emergency services and utility companies were mobilized to restore power and ensure public safety.
Residents are advised to stay updated on the situation as crews work diligently to restore power and clear roadways. The community is encouraged to report any outages or hazardous conditions to Dominion Power and local authorities.
For the latest updates on power restoration efforts and storm recovery, residents should continue to monitor local news outlets and official communications from Dominion Power.
This recent weather event serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness during storm season. Residents are encouraged to have emergency kits ready and to stay informed about weather alerts to ensure safety during severe weather conditions.
