Pepco, WSSC Prepare for Potential Power Outages

Utilities in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC said they have begun or completed preparations for potentially damaging thunderstorms expected to pass through the region Thursday.

Pepco said Wednesday that they've contacted partner utility companies in the Midwest for help, should a massive power outage occur. The company said it has rounded up more than 150 internal line workers and more than 450 contractors working on the system's reliability. 

The Washington Surburban Sanitary Commission said it has already added additional staff to its control center, emergency dispatch center and maintenance crews in addition to filling the water distribution system to capacity.

Recreation areas around WSSC watersheds at the Triadelphia and Rocky Gorge reservoirs are closed Thursday as a precaution. 

Although WSSC said it doesn't expect the storm to cause an increase in water main breaks, if they do occur, repairs won't take place until after the storm has passed, meaning a longer service disruption for affected customers.  

A flash flood watch is in effect for the region until Thursday evening. The National Weather Service predicts hazardous weather that may include damaging wind gusts, heavy rain and hail.