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Virginians prepare for severe weather

Posted at 7:11 PM, Jun 12, 2013
and last updated 2013-06-12 19:50:50-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Days after many in Central Virginia were affected by strong storms, preparations are underway for what is expected to be a significant wind event for much of the East Coast.

Eighty-three-year-old Betty Giragosian saw ten of her trees on her 20 acre-plus property fall on Sunday

Giragosian estimates over the years high winds have taken down at least 100 trees.

"Eventually I think this will all be a prairie, all the trees will be gone," Giragosian told CBS 6 reporter Joe St. George.

In preparation for wind events, Giragosian has trimmed back the trees near her power lines.

"We watch the trees and we have taken some down," Giragosian said.

Giragosian isn't the only person watching the weather. Dominion Virginia Power is as well.

"We always ask our customers to be prepared and the best way to do this is to have an emergency preparedness kit," Daisey Pridgen said.

[BONUS: Download the CBS 6 news and weather apps to track the storm]

Pridgen recommends having non-perishable food, batteries, a weather radio, a first aid kit, a car charger for phones and cash on hand.

Dominion Virginia Power says they have been monitoring the storm since Sunday and expect the worst to occur in Northern Virginia.

In the event of a power outage, officials ask that you report it immediately. Click here to report an outage online -- or call Dominion at 866-DOM-HELP or 866-366-4357.

Stay with CBS 6 News and WTVR.com for complete coverage of the severe weather. The CBS 6 Storm Team will keep you ahead of the storm.