Storm, cold front bring high winds, record rains to Birmingham area

 

Alabama Power crews are out in force today, assessing damage and restoring service after an extraordinary weather event brought record rains and damaging winds through the Birmingham area Monday night.

 

As of 1 p.m. today, Alabama Power crews have restored service to more than 185,000 customers affected by Tropical Storm Lee since it entered the state Friday.

 

On Monday evening Lee passed through metro Birmingham and collided with a cold front, resulting in record rains, flash flooding and wind gusts as high as 55 mph, according to the National Weather Service.  

 

Crews are working across the Birmingham area today, assessing damage and restoring power. Crews from out-of-state utilities will be joining Alabama Power today to speed restoration, with additional out-of-state crews arriving tomorrow.  

 

Hazardous conditions, including downed trees and flooded streets, remain a problem in some areas of metro Birmingham today. Alabama Power customers should use extreme caution and adhere to the following safety tips: 

 

·         Stay clear of flooded areas or areas with fallen trees or debris where downed lines may be hidden. Stay away from areas where repair crews are working.
 

·         Stay away from downed lines. Do not drive over lines or under low-hanging lines. Keep children and pets away from downed lines. Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or anything else caught in power lines.

 

 

 

 

 

Generator safety

 

More and more people are purchasing portable generators to keep appliances running during outages. While generators can be a convenience, they can also be deadly when used improperly.

 

• Read and follow carefully the manufacturer’s instructions before using a generator.

 

• Do not plug in portable generators to your household wiring. This can cause serious injury to you and to Alabama Power employees working on the lines in your neighborhood. Connect essential appliances – such as freezers and refrigerators – directly to the generator.

 

• To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, operate generators outdoors in a
  well-ventilated, dry area that is away from air intakes to the home, including window air conditioners. A good location is an open shed. Never use a portable generator indoors or in attached garages.

 

If your power is out or you see a hazardous situation, such as a downed line, please call Alabama Power’s automated reporting system at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).

 

To learn more about how Alabama Power responds to storms, please visit  www.alabamapower.com. Click “About Us” and then “Storm Center.”