Widespread Power Outage Impacts Thousands Across Norfolk

David

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Post on Sep 17, 2025

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Widespread Power Outage Plunges Thousands in Norfolk into Darkness

Norfolk, VA (October 26, 2023) – A major power outage has plunged thousands of residents across Norfolk, Virginia, into darkness this afternoon, causing widespread disruption and prompting urgent responses from local authorities and power companies. The outage, which began around 2:00 PM EST, has affected homes and businesses throughout the city, leaving many residents without electricity, internet, and other essential services.

The cause of the outage remains under investigation, but early reports suggest a possible equipment failure within the city's power grid. Dominion Energy, the primary electricity provider for the region, has deployed crews to assess the damage and work to restore power as quickly and safely as possible. However, with the extent of the outage, restoration efforts are expected to take several hours, potentially impacting residents well into the evening.

<h3>Thousands Affected, Services Disrupted</h3>

The sheer number of affected residents is staggering. Dominion Energy's outage map currently shows over 15,000 customers without power, a number that officials fear may rise as assessments continue. The outage has caused significant disruptions, including:

• Business closures: Numerous businesses have been forced to close early due to the lack of power, impacting commerce and potentially leading to lost revenue.
• Traffic signal outages: Many traffic signals are non-functional, leading to increased traffic congestion and potential safety hazards. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and treat all intersections as four-way stops.
• School disruptions: Several schools have been affected, with some initiating early dismissals and others delaying after-school activities. Parents should contact their child's school for updates.
• Communication challenges: The outage has also impacted internet and cell service in many areas, making communication difficult for residents.

<h3>Dominion Energy's Response and Estimated Restoration Times</h3>

Dominion Energy has issued a statement acknowledging the widespread outage and assuring customers that they are working diligently to restore power. They have mobilized a significant number of crews and are prioritizing critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and emergency services. However, due to the complexity of the situation, they have not yet provided a definitive estimate for full power restoration. Residents are advised to monitor the Dominion Energy website and social media channels for updates. You can find their outage map and updates .

<h3>Safety Precautions During an Outage</h3>

While waiting for power to be restored, residents are urged to take the following safety precautions:

• Avoid downed power lines: Report any downed power lines to Dominion Energy immediately. Never approach or touch a downed power line.
• Use flashlights, not candles: Candles pose a significant fire hazard. Use battery-powered flashlights instead.
• Conserve battery power: Limit the use of electronic devices to conserve battery life.
• Check on neighbors: Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors to ensure their safety and well-being.

<h3>Stay Informed and Be Patient</h3>

This widespread power outage presents a significant challenge for the city of Norfolk. Authorities and utility companies are working tirelessly to restore power as swiftly as possible. Residents are urged to remain patient, follow safety guidelines, and monitor official channels for updates. Further information will be released as it becomes available. For the latest updates, follow #NorfolkOutage on social media.

Call to Action: If you have experienced any significant issues due to the outage, share your experience and tips for coping with the power loss in the comments below. Let's support each other during this difficult time.