Recovery in Alabama communities continues following historic Hurricane Zeta
Alabama Power crews are working to restore damage caused by Hurricane Zeta. (Wynter Byrd / Alabama NewsCenter)
Work continues for Alabama Power crews across the state in the aftermath of this week’s Hurricane Zeta. The Category 2 hurricane left in its wake widespread destruction in Alabama Wednesday evening, as high winds and heavy rain knocked down trees, creating treacherous conditions for utility crews.
Zeta, whose impact is similar to what the company experienced during Hurricane Katrina and the April 27, 2011 tornadoes, knocked out service to nearly one-third of all Alabama Power customers.
Alabama Power Crews continue work Saturday to restore power after Hurricane Zeta from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
“Since early Thursday morning, we’ve been working to restore service for customers affected by Hurricane Zeta. We’ve made significant progress and are working through some tough conditions due to the number of downed trees and extensive damage across our state,” said Scott Moore, Alabama Power senior vice president of Power Delivery. “I’m proud of our team members and their commitment to serving our customers. During this challenging time, we will not stop until our customers’ service is restored.”
Despite difficult conditions, Alabama Power crews restored service to more than 363,000 customers as of noon Saturday. The company expects to have service restored to 95% of affected customers by Tuesday.
In central Alabama restoration is scheduled to be complete:
- Sunday evening — Leeds and Trussville.
- Monday evening — Hoover, Vestavia, Mountain Brook, Chelsea, Columbiana, Calera, Montevallo, Pelham, Helena, Alabaster, Pelham and Jemison.
- Wednesday evening — Chilton and Dallas counties.
In east Alabama restoration is scheduled to be complete:
- Thursday evening — Clay, Randolph and Talladega counties.
In the Mobile area restoration is scheduled to be complete:
- Monday evening — Saraland.
- Tuesday evening — Mount Vernon.
- Wednesday evening — Butler.
- Thursday evening — Citronelle, Thomasville, Grove Hill and Jackson.
The company says it appreciates its customers’ patience as crews work through the aftermath of this historic storm.
Customers in the affected areas are advised to stay away from downed power lines, as well as fallen trees and tree limbs that could be hiding downed lines. Always assume a downed line is still energized and poses a potentially deadly hazard. If you spot a downed line, call Alabama Power at 1-800-888-2726 or local law enforcement and wait for trained crews to perform the potentially dangerous work of removing the line or any debris.
