Extreme Winter Storm Prompts Safety Push Across Appalachia

Community resources shared as outages, cold threaten vulnerable neighbors

As one of the most severe winter storms in recent U.S. history grips large portions of the country, communities across Appalachia are facing widespread power outages, dangerous temperatures, and increasing risks for unhoused neighbors and rural areas with aging electrical infrastructure.

Advocates say the storm highlights the urgent need to modernize the nation’s power grid — much of which was built in the 19th century and struggles to withstand increasingly extreme weather events. Repeated winter outages have raised concerns about public safety, economic stability, and long-term resilience across the region.

Black By God extends thanks to our friends at ReImagine Appalachia for compiling and sharing critical safety resources now being distributed to communities.

Power Outage Tracking

Residents can monitor active outages and restoration updates through Appalachian Power’s interactive outage map, which shows the location and scale of disruptions across the region.

You can keep track of the location and scale of power outages in the region by viewing this interactive map from Appalachian Power.

Warming Stations and Emergency Support

Regional partners are keeping warming shelters open for those without reliable heat or electricity. Individuals in need can call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211 to locate nearby warming stations, shelters, and emergency services.

Winter Safety Resources

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers a winter-ready toolkit with guidance on preventing frostbite, hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning, and cold-related heart risks.

Access here.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a winter preparedness checklist covering power outage planning, generator safety, and simple home insulation techniques.

Access here.

Urgent Need for Blood Donations

The American Red Cross has issued an urgent call for blood donations after thousands of appointments were canceled due to severe weather. Blood shortages are impacting hospitals across the region.

Blood drives are currently taking place in:
Beckley, West Virginia
Lexington, Kentucky
Virginia blood drives
Or find your nearest location from the Red Cross

Community members can also search for their nearest Red Cross donation center.

Gratitude for Frontline Workers

Community leaders continue to express appreciation for lineworkers, emergency responders, and mutual aid volunteers who are operating in hazardous conditions to keep neighbors safe and connected.

Black By God encourages readers to share local resources, check on vulnerable neighbors, and prioritize safety during extreme weather events. Additional community resources can be submitted to BBG for amplification.