(WVVA) - Another round of summer storms in West Virginia Sunday forced Appalachian Power to suspend its restoration efforts.
Estimates on restoration times have been extended. The latest storms increased outage numbers in the Mountain State by nearly 5,000 customers, leaving a total of 46,390 AEP customers without service as of Sunday evening.
In Virginia, 13,380 AEP customers were without service Sunday evening.
Crews have been working to restore outages since a severe summer storm carrying wind gusts in excess of 70mph came through the region on Friday, June 29.
More than 5,100 line professionals and other workers are working to restore power according to www.AEP.com.
Crews from 22 other states have aided in restoration efforts.
Appalachian Power says outages are restored by priority. Critical community infrastructure, such as hospitals, water and sewer stations are given highest priority. Then, priority is given to outages that will restore the largest number of customers when a repair is made.