SWEPCO is on high alert as severe weather is forecasted for its service areas in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. Fierce winds, thunderstorms, and potential tornadoes are expected on Sunday in the south, while snow and freezing rain may affect the north later in the week. Arctic air is expected to encompass the region, intensifying the winter weather. Customers are urged to prepare in advance for these potentially disruptive conditions.
Preparing for Severe Weather
With severe winter weather anticipated, SWEPCO encourages residents to assemble an emergency kit and establish a contingency plan, particularly for those relying on continuous electricity for health-related needs. The company emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place should power outages occur.
Drew Seidel, SWEPCO's Vice President of Region Distribution Operations, stated, "We are closely monitoring the severe cold weather and storm potential expected across our service areas in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas, and our teams are vigilant about protecting our infrastructure so we may safely serve our customers." Seidel advised customers to stay informed about power outages by downloading the SWEPCO app, which offers real-time updates and safety tips.
Weather Action Plans and Safety Measures
SWEPCO has developed robust severe and icy weather action plans, designed to adapt to evolving forecasts and quickly address service interruptions. Crews are on standby to respond promptly and safely to any issues that may arise. The forecast indicates a risk of severe thunderstorms from late Sunday morning through the afternoon in East Texas, Southern Arkansas, and North Louisiana, potentially affecting power lines with winds up to 65 mph and isolated tornadoes.
Customers are reminded to consider all downed lines as live and dangerous, maintaining a safe 35-foot distance and reporting any incidents immediately.
Ensuring Reliable Electric Service
To maintain reliable electric service during severe weather, SWEPCO has implemented a comprehensive Winter Preparedness plan that includes the winterization of its generation portfolio. “We understand how crucial reliable electric service is for our customers, especially during extreme weather events,” Seidel commented, highlighting the importance of customer emergency plans.
Monte McMahon, Vice President of Generating Assets, remarked, “From data-driven analysis, continuous monitoring of our equipment, storm hardening, and winterization of generating equipment, our power plant crews are always working around the clock to produce power for our customers.” SWEPCO's crews follow site-specific protocols, procedures, checklists, and inspections to combat cold-weather impacts, ensuring safe and reliable operations.
Tips for Winter Readiness
To help customers prepare, SWEPCO offers the following winter readiness tips:
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, such as 68°F.
- Change the furnace filter monthly.
- Reverse ceiling fans to push heat down.
- Close shades at night and open them during the day.
- Drain and shut off water and store hoses.
- Check and clean gutters.
- Inspect the roof, vents, and openings.
- Prune tree branches hanging close to the house.
- Seal leaks and check the furnace.
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups.
- Gather supplies for potential extended home stays without power.
SWEPCO is actively watching the forecasted severe weather, which could bring fierce winds, thunderstorms, and possible tornadoes on Sunday in the southern territory. Later next week, snow and freezing rain are forecasted for the northern region with Arctic air coverage throughout.
The extreme weather may affect parts of SWEPCO’s service territory across Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas in the coming days and customers can take time now to prepare.
uninterrupted electric service
SWEPCO encourages customers to be prepared for winter weather by having an emergency kit on hand
Just as the company has implemented a series of proactive pre-winter preparedness actions to enhance and winterize its electric infrastructure and ensure reliability during extreme cold conditions, it is encouraging customers to take time to make a plan.
SWEPCO encourages customers to be prepared for winter weather by having an emergency kit on hand and deciding now where to go if there is a power outage, particularly if they or a family member relies on uninterrupted electric service for health reasons.
Aware of rapidly changing weather conditions
"We are closely monitoring the severe cold weather and storm potential expected across our service areas in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas and our teams are vigilant about protecting our infrastructure so we may safely serve our customers," said Drew Seidel, SWEPCO vice president of Region Distribution Operations.
"We urge our customers to remain aware of rapidly changing weather conditions and to take necessary precautions. Download the SWEPCO app to stay informed about power outages, receive real-time updates, and access safety tips."
SWEPCO weather action plans
SWEPCO reminds customers to always treat downed lines as energized and dangerous
SWEPCO has developed comprehensive severe and icy weather action plans, adapting to changing forecasts, and is prepared to respond to any potential service interruptions promptly and safely. Crews are ready to respond as needed.
The current forecast shows a risk for severe thunderstorms from late morning Sunday through the afternoon, across East Texas, Southern Arkansas, and North Louisiana. Damaging winds as high as 65 mph and isolated tornadoes are predicted as the main threats from the stronger storms, which could affect power lines.
SWEPCO reminds customers to always treat downed lines as energized and dangerous. Please keep a safe distance of at least 35 feet from downed power lines and report any incidents at once.
How crucial reliable electric service is for customers
SWEPCO has a comprehensive Winter Preparedness plan that includes winterization of its generation portfolio
Later in the week, the forecast shows a risk of freezing conditions that could impact the northern service territory. "We understand how crucial reliable electric service is for our customers, especially during extreme weather events."
"Our teams are actively preparing to respond to any impacts from the forecasted cold snap, ensuring that we can restore service safely and efficiently," Seidel said. "We also encourage our customers to have their own emergency plans in place."
As part of a commitment to ensuring reliable service during wintry weather, SWEPCO has a comprehensive Winter Preparedness plan that includes winterization of its generation portfolio.
Data-driven analysis
“From data-driven analysis, continuous monitoring of our equipment, storm hardening and winterization of generating equipment, our power plant crews are always working around the clock to produce power for our customers,” said Monte McMahon, vice president, Generating Assets.
“Crews have site-specific protocols, procedures, checklists, and inspections to combat cold-weather impacts and ensure the safe and reliable operations across our entire generation fleet.”
Winter-ready plan
Ready to make the winter-ready plan? Consider these tips:
Save Energy:
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, like 68°F.
- Change the furnace filter every month
- Have the ceiling fans turn clockwise to push heat down
- Close the shades at night and open them during the day
Prepare the home:
- Drain and shut off water
- Stow hoses
- Check and clean out gutters
- Inspect the roof
- Check vents and openings
- Prune close-hanging tree branches
- Seal leaks
- Check the furnace
- Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups
- Gather supplies in case they need to stay home for several days without power
