98 percent of Birmingham customers hit by storm will have service today
Progress shortens restoration estimate by full day Alabama Power will have service restored today to 98 percent of Birmingham-area customers affected by this week’s extraordinary weather – a full day faster than previously estimated. More than 3,600 line crew, tree crew and support personnel from Alabama Power and out-of-state have converged on the areas hit hardest by the severe storm that pummeled the Birmingham region Monday night. The storm, which was far more damaging than expected, brought record-setting torrential rains, flooding and winds as high as 55 mph that toppled trees and powerlines across metro Birmingham. At the peak, more than 220,000 customers were without power statewide. Within 24 hours, Alabama Power and out-of-state crews had restored power to nearly 150,000 customers. At 10 a.m. today, about 14,000 Birmingham-area customers remained without power. Hazardous conditions, including downed trees and rain-swollen streams, remain a problem in some areas of metro Birmingham. Alabama Power customers should use extreme caution, and adhere to the following safety tips:
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, so:
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.”
For further information: News Media Contact: Keisa Sharpe
Media Inquiry Line: 205-257-4155
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