Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) crews, contractors and field teams are prepared to respond to any storm-related outages that might occur this afternoon or this evening.

Key points to keep in mind:

• The National Weather Service warns that storms may contain winds up to 60 mph and golf-ball size hail.

• Combined with the already-saturated ground, the additional rain and wind could cause trees to tumble onto power lines. As a result, widespread power outages are possible.

• REC has plenty of materials such as poles, wires and transformers that might be needed to make repairs.

• All available line crews, tree contractors and other critical teams are on standby and ready to respond as needed.

• REC’s Dispatch Center is fully staffed and, as always, will work around the clock to ensure the safe and efficient movement of crews.

• Critical safety reminder: Always stay well clear of any downed power line or anything that might be in contact with the power line. Report any downed lines to REC or call 911. 

• REC’s members are encouraged to bookmark the online Outage Center to track outage restoration: myrec.coop/outagecenter

• To report an outage, members can visit myrec.coop/out or use the MyREC SmartHub app.

• To stay informed, members are encouraged to sign up for Outage Text alerts. Get started here: myrec.coop/alerts.

• Finally, the time to prepare for a possible outage is before it occurs. Find what you need to create a storm kit and other helpful information here: myrec.coop/stormprep

REC provides electric service to over 175,000 connections in parts of 22 Virginia counties. With its general office in Fredericksburg, Va., the Cooperative operates and maintains more than 18,000 miles of power lines through its service area, which ranges from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of the Chesapeake Bay. For more information about REC, please visit www.myrec.coop. Follow REC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.