CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is warning customers to prepare for possible power outages as the winter storm continues. According to REC, freezing rain and ice could bring down trees and power lines, leading to disruptions across its Western and Northwestern service areas through early Thursday, Feb. 13.

The cooperative says crews are already staged and ready to respond, with extra contractor and mutual aid teams in place. REC says customers should charge devices, prepare backup heating options, and gather emergency supplies. They asked that people relying on powered medical equipment should finalize backup plans as soon as possible.

REC is asking members to report outages as soon as they happen, even if a neighbor has already reported, to help crews assess the full extent of the damage. Outages can be reported by texting OUT to 63273, using the MyREC SmartHub app, or calling 800-552-3904.