Crews deploying for storm duty

Alabama Power is responding to assist customers in two parts of the country either experiencing or anticipating severe winter storms.
Arkansas
A mixture of snow and freezing rain hit the northeastern part of Arkansas, causing the closing of businesses and the cancellation of classes at many state schools. In response, Alabama Power released approximately 100 contract crew linemen from service to allow them to head west and aid in restoration.
Pennsylvania
The northernmost part of that same storm system is expected to bring more than a foot of snow to parts of northern Pennsylvania, and several inches to the rest of that state. Alabama Power has been asked for aid, and is sending around 130 employee line crew personnel, accompanied by 60-70 people to manage support and logistics. The crews headed north will be coming from the Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Anniston areas. The best media availability will be at the Trussville crew headquarters around 6:30 a.m. Wednesday.
Current local forecasts do not indicate a significant threat of severe weather in Alabama, giving Alabama Power the flexibility to extend help to other utilities.