NOVEC, City Public Works Department Prepare for Severe Weather

Manassas Park Public Works crews are standby and ready to respond to any problems caused by severe weather and a possible derecho forecasters say may move through the area today.

• Read what forecasters are predicting here: Derecho Potential: Major Storm Could Bring 'Limbs and Trees Down'

Public works spent Wednesday clearing storm water channels and checking the city's generators to make sure they were at full power, public works director James "Jay" Johnson said.

The city's vehicles are all gassed up and ready to respond, he added.

Crews also set up chainsaws and other equiptment just in case it is needed to remove fallen trees or branches.

Meanwhile, Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC) the city's power provider is also preparing for severe weather.

"We’re following forecasts and preparing for the worst,”  said Dan Swingle, manager of NOVEC’s System Operations Center. “Right now the ground is soaked after days of pouring rain. Trees could fall and cause outages if we receive strong winds.”

NOVEC tree and power line crews on standby and crew members are fueling their trucks and chainsaws. Warehouse personnel are making sure equipment and materials, such as replacement utility poles, are ready for pickup.

Swingle said customers should review their own storm-preparation plans to be ready for high winds, intense rainfall  and the loss of power.

“Make sure NOVEC has your current phone number. Correct numbers expedite outage reporting and power restoration.

If you use a cellphone, call us at 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500 to associate your number with your account.

Here's how to quickly get up-to-date information on power outages.

Follow NOVEC on Twitter @NOVEC or on its Facebook page 

Find out where the power outages are by visiting NOVEC's online outage center.

Report outages at 703-335-0500 or toll-free 1-888-335-0500.