Northern Virginia, February 16, 2025 – A powerful cold front swept through Northern Virginia on Sunday evening, bringing high winds and heavy rain that left nearly 40,000 residents without power. As of 7:30 p.m., Dominion Energy reported over 77,000 outages statewide, with more than 35,000 affecting Northern Virginia. Fairfax County was among the hardest-hit areas, reporting over 14,600 outages.

In addition to Dominion Energy’s outages, other local utility providers reported similar disruptions. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) recorded approximately 2,900 outages across Loudoun, Prince William, and Fauquier counties. Meanwhile, the Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) reported over 10,000 outages, primarily affecting Spotsylvania, Louisa, and Clarke counties. Utility crews have been deployed across the region to restore power, but officials warn that ongoing high winds could slow down repair efforts.

Impact on Local Infrastructure

Beyond power outages, the storm has caused widespread damage to infrastructure across Northern Virginia. Reports indicate that downed power lines, uprooted trees, and debris have led to road closures in several areas. Public transportation services have also experienced delays and disruptions, further complicating residents' mobility. Officials are working to assess the full extent of the damage and prioritize the most critical repairs. Some neighborhoods may face extended restoration timelines due to the severity of the storm’s impact. Residents are advised to follow updates from local authorities regarding road closures and infrastructure repairs.

Travel and Safety Concerns Amid Severe Weather

A high wind warning remains in effect for most of Northern Virginia through 10 p.m. Sunday, with sustained west winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts reaching up to 60 mph. The National Weather Service has advised residents to secure outdoor objects, remain indoors when possible, and exercise caution while driving, especially in areas prone to falling trees and power lines. Authorities are urging residents to take precautions, including keeping emergency supplies on hand, charging mobile devices, and staying away from downed power lines. Those affected by outages are advised to report them to their respective utility companies and check their websites or mobile apps for updates on restoration efforts.

The severe weather conditions have also caused hazardous travel conditions. Reports indicate that fallen trees and debris have blocked several roads, and some traffic signals are non-operational due to the power outages. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution and allow extra time for travel. Emergency responders and utility workers are prioritizing efforts to clear roads and restore power as quickly as possible, but residents should be prepared for potential prolonged outages, particularly in the hardest-hit areas.

Ongoing Response and Future Preparedness

Local authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with emergency management teams coordinating response efforts. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and official weather updates. As restoration efforts continue, authorities stress the importance of patience and preparedness, reminding the public to check in on vulnerable neighbors and family members who may need assistance. For real-time updates, residents can visit their utility provider’s website or social media channels. The combination of powerful winds and heavy rainfall underscores the importance of emergency preparedness, and officials are hopeful that power restoration will be completed as quickly as possible once conditions allow safe repair work.