Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin in a statement: With temperatures near 100 degrees expected this weekend, it's critical that we get people's power back on as soon as possible.
So let me get this straight: the critical issue with not having electricity after a huge storm is that the A/C isn't working? And 100F/38C isn't even that hot, right?
High temperatures pretty much always lead to increased mortality for the old and sick, so yes, that is one of the critical issues. Most other places where power is critical (e.g. hospitals) have backup generators and diesel supply contracts.
100F in a non-dry climate is very hot as it feels like 110F. Heat sickness is a very real concern, along with food spoilage and pets. Additionally, sick people without access to A/C in 100F weather can become even more sick very quickly.
100F with high humidity will result in a number of preventable deaths due to heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, etc. So yes, it is the most critical thing, along with power to hospitals and emergency services.
Several hospitals in this area are running on generators right now b/c of these storms. They are flying in additional generators too. It was pretty bad. Six deaths in VA so far directly attributed to the storms.
