High Winds Trigger Power Outages Across Virginia

Thousands of customers lose electricity as gusts knock down trees and power lines.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 10:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Strong winds have caused widespread power outages across Virginia on Saturday, with utility companies reporting thousands of customers without electricity. The ABC13 Weather Team had issued a Weather Alert Day due to the high winds, which have knocked down trees and power lines in several areas.

Why it matters

Power outages can have significant impacts on communities, affecting everything from home heating and cooling to businesses and critical infrastructure. Severe weather events like this highlight the need for grid resilience and preparedness to minimize disruptions.

The details

As of 10:38 a.m., utility company AEP reported over 2,700 outages in Henry County alone. Other areas have also seen significant outages, with fallen trees being the primary cause of the power losses. Utility crews are working to restore electricity as quickly as possible.

  • The ABC13 Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
  • As of 10:38 a.m. on February 7, 2026, over 2,700 outages were reported in Henry County.

The players

AEP

A major electric utility company serving customers across Virginia.

ABC13 Weather Team

The weather forecasting team for the ABC13 news station, which issued a Weather Alert Day for the high winds.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Utility crews are working to restore power to affected areas as quickly as possible.

The takeaway

This severe weather event highlights the importance of grid resilience and preparedness to minimize the impact of power outages on communities.