Weekend storms that packed 70 mph winds caused weekend power outages for OG&E operations in eastern Oklahoma, leaving more than 9,100 customers without power as of Saturday morning, down from a peak of more than 20,000.’
By Saturday night, nearly 87% of those who lost power had it restored, according to OGE. The utility estimate about 2,600 customers were without power.
The winds brought down power poles and power lines and also damaged to cross arms and other equipment attached to poles, according to a press update from the utility.
Fort Smith was the hardest hit area with widespread damage in other Arkansas communities, including Van Buren, Mountainburg, Charleston, Winslow and Lavaca. Parts of eastern Oklahoma were also impacted including Shady Point, Muldrow, Rock Island and Williams.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declared an emergency because of the widespread storm damage for northwest Arkansas.
The company stated crews have been and will continue working around the clock until power is fully restored. Crews started restoration Friday night as an estimated 1,100 workers were called to work to restore power to homes and businesses that could accept power. More personnel were expected to be helping with the restoration on Saturday.
Damage to OG&E equipment includes downed power lines, broken power poles, damaged transmission structures, tree damage to equipment, broken cross arms and other equipment attached to poles.
“Today we will continue inspecting damage that could not be observed overnight,” stated the company on Saturday.
The company said it expects estimated times of restoration to be available to customers once full damage assessments are complete and will advise when restoration times are available.
Once repairs are made to the power grid, OG&E prioritizes restoration for the community’s essential services, including two hospitals, four public safety facilities, 35 water treatment/sewer facilities, 126 public works, and 89 schools impacted by last night’s storms. As those facilities come online, the utility turns attention to individual homes and businesses experiencing an outage.
Following storms, OG&E will bring tree and brush debris to the curb, however customers are responsible for removing that debris. City and county resources for debris removal may be available and will vary by community. Customers should check with local officials for specific debris removal plans.
For the latest information, visit OGE.com/StormCenter.
