Alabama Power storm team prepared for severe weather
An Alabama Power crew works to restore service after the massive outages caused by Hurricane Zeta. The company is prepared to respond in case storms forecast for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day cause power outages in the state. (Dan Anderson / Alabama NewsCenter)
The active severe weather systems that have created havoc statewide throughout the year are forecast to continue on the final day of 2020.
Meteorologists say that severe thunderstorms with heavy rainfall and significant wind speeds are capable of producing tornadoes and are expected to affect the state on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Alabama Power is encouraging its customers to stay weather aware and have their storm-readiness plans in place.
Before the storm, customers can prepare their homes by:
- Charging smart devices.
- Purchasing a battery-operated charger and keeping it fully charged at all times.
- Staying aware. Watch for approaching storms and tune in to a weather radio for 24/7 updates from the National Weather Service.
- Checking the weather forecast before heading outdoors or on the roads. Postpone outdoor activities when thunderstorms are forecast.
- Avoiding contact with conductors of electricity, appliances, metal objects and water.
- Updating your emergency preparedness kit.
- Bringing outdoor pets inside.
- Taking safe shelter inside a sturdy building, away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
Alabama Power is ready for possible New Year’s storms from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
Alabama Power’s storm team is ready to support customers who may be affected by a New Year’s storm. Depending on the amount of rainfall, Alabama Power lake levels could be affected and spillway gates at some Alabama Power dams could operate following a storm. People with boats or homes on Alabama Power reservoirs should always stay alert to changing conditions and be prepared to take steps to protect their property.
The severe weather in Alabama in 2020 ranged from record-setting rains and tornadoes in the spring to two hurricanes, Sally and Zeta, in September and October. The last time Alabama had a direct hit from a hurricane was Ivan in 2004.
With all the severe weather, Alabama Power’s storm restoration efforts to date this year have included replacing 3,847 poles and 17,761 spans of wire and repairing 31 transmission structures.
Learn more about how to prepare for severe weather at www.alabamapower.com/storm.
