For immediate release

Jan. 27, 2010

Electric co-ops prepare for bad weather

View the latest information about Missouri co-op systems affected by winter storms.

While freezing rain appears to be unlikely for southern Missouri, the state’s electric cooperatives are prepared for severe weather. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for southern Missouri in effect from Thursday afternoon, Jan. 28 to Friday morning, Jan. 29.

The National Weather Service Springfield, Mo., office says a significant winter storm with heavy snowfall is likely to hit south of Highway 60 on Thursday, Jan. 28. However, considerable uncertainty remains on the track of the storm and the type of precipitation it will bring. Depending on the temperature, freezing rain, snow or sleet are all possible for the region.

Snow does not greatly affect power supply. However, ice storms are among the most devastating weather events that can hit the electric power supply grid. When ice falls, it can collect on lines. The heavy weight can snap lines, cause trees to fall into lines or topple poles. Crews are also hampered by icy road conditions and downed trees that make travel difficult.

Missouri’s electric cooperatives have considerable experience dealing with winter storms. When large numbers of outages occur, the Emergency Assistance Procedure coordinated by the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives in Jefferson City is enacted.

As outages occur, electric cooperatives call the association to request help. The association staff coordinates bringing in crews, equipment and supplies from unaffected parts of the state to lend assistance. If the disaster is widespread, cooperatives in other states and contractors will also send help.

As the storm develops and details of any outages become clear, we will update the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives Web site at www.amec.coop with the latest information. In addition, this Web site has links to all the electric cooperatives in the state at www.amec.org/coops.html. Additional information may be available there as well.

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Editor's Note: For media inquiries, contact Jim McCarty at 573-680-2451