Storm halts W.Va. power restoration

Associated Press

CHARLESTON, W.Va.

Appalachian Power says efforts to restore service to thousands of West Virginians have been stymied by more severe thunderstorms.

The utility says it was on target to get service restored to 95 percent of its customers by Sunday night before storms moved in, forcing the company to halt work in some areas because of concern for workers’ safety.

Appalachian Power says this is the third major thunderstorm in West Virginia since June 29, when winds of up to 75 miles an hour causing widespread damage and power outages.

At last count, about 77,000 West Virginia homes and businesses were still without electricity Sunday, but Appalachian Power said those numbers were rising again because of the latest storm. About 45,000 Appalachian Power customers and 32,000 MonPower customers were without service.