Storm team headed to assist Alabama Power
A Mississippi Power storm team of 82 line and support personnel is travelling to assist Alabama Power this morning after a line of deadly severe weather moved across the region on Thursday, knocking out power to tens of thousands of people.
For the second time in two weeks, the company’s service territory was on the edge of the highest risk area for a tornado from the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center. Much of the company’s service territory was in the Enhanced to Moderate Risk areas.
“Fortunately, we did not sustain much damage to our system over the last two weeks,” Shared Services Manager Scott Cashwell said. “We safely restored all customers impacted by Thursday’s weather event and are ready to help our brothers and sisters at Alabama Power.”
Thursday’s line of severe weather did produce an unusual event in Meridian.
A portion of Hwy. 145 was closed for several hours after heavy rains caused a part of a hill to give way, creating a mudslide. Trees that were swept away hit several power lines, disrupting service to area customers.
“This is another great example of adapting our storm plan to the environmental challenges that are presented,” Meridian Area Manager Chris Phillips said. “Our team quickly responded and safely worked with Mississippi Department of Transportation and Lauderdale County officials to secure the area and restore service to our customers.”
Now in its 96th year of operations, Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and affordable energy for more than 188,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power recently was a recipient of the Community Partner Impact Award from the Center for Energy Workforce Development for its innovative and ongoing efforts to build a diverse workforce. With nearly 160 megawatts of approved solar energy capacity, Mississippi Power is the largest partner in providing renewable energy in the state of Mississippi. Visit our website at mississippipower.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
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