SWEPCO has initiated its storm recovery efforts after severe weather, including three suspected tornadoes, struck Northwest Arkansas causing significant destruction. Over 500 utility specialists have been mobilized, including additional tree and line crews from SWEPCO's three-state service region and the Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO), to accelerate restoration operations.
Damage Assessment by SWEPCO Crews
Crews are actively engaged in evaluating the damage to SWEPCO's energy infrastructure in Northwest Arkansas. Early inspections reveal widespread damage in the northern areas of SWEPCO's service zone, with Benton County, especially Rogers, being heavily impacted. These evaluations are essential to determine the necessary equipment and personnel for restoring power efficiently and safely. Damage assessors are tasked with identifying downed power poles, wires, and other compromised electrical equipment.
Extent of Damage and Restoration Challenges
The initial assessment indicates severe devastation with downed trees and debris having snapped around 300 utility poles and damaged several spans of wire. Given the severity, prolonged outages are anticipated as crews work to restore power promptly and securely. These assessments also quickly identify any additional issues that might affect the restoration process.
Deployment of Additional Crews
Additional tree and line worker crews from across SWEPCO's coverage area and sister utilities in Oklahoma have been deployed to support the recovery efforts. The mobilization of these teams is critical to managing the aftermath swiftly. Customers are advised to maintain a safe distance from downed power lines and to report any hazards by calling 911 or SWEPCO at (888) 218-3919.
Power Outage Statistics and Restoration Timeline
As of 9 a.m., Monday, approximately 15,000 customers are experiencing power outages as a result of the storms which brought strong winds and downed trees. More than 300 utility poles and significant portions of electrical wiring have been damaged. Estimated restoration times will be provided following the completion of damage assessments. This ensures that the appropriate crews and equipment are dispatched to the right locations to restore service to customers as quickly and safely as possible.
SWEPCO has activated its storm response following extreme weather, which included three suspected tornadoes that caused considerable damage in Northwest Arkansas.
More than of 500 utility professionals have been mobilized to aid in restoration efforts, including additional tree and line crews from throughout SWEPCO’s three-state service territory and sister utility, Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO).
SWEPCO damage assessors
Crews worked tirelessly to assess damage to SWEPCO’s energy delivery system in Northwest Arkansas
Early assessments show considerable damage throughout the northern part of SWEPCO’s service territory, particularly in Benton County, with most of the impact in Rogers. Throughout Sunday, crews worked tirelessly to assess damage to SWEPCO’s energy delivery system in Northwest Arkansas.
The first step in the restoration process is to assess the damage after a storm. SWEPCO damage assessors are being deployed to look for downed power poles, wires, damaged transformers, and other electrical equipment.
Part of SWEPCO’s service territory
These highly trained employees work to determine the specialized equipment, teams, or identify anything else that will be needed for restoring power. Part of their planning is to also quickly evaluate any other issues that may impact the restoration work. This work is a vital first step to efficient and safe storm repairs.
Early assessments show severe damage throughout the northern part of SWEPCO’s service territory, with downed trees, damaging debris that snapped approximately 300 utility poles, and damaged spans of wire. Due to significant damage, customers should prepare for extended outages as crews work as quickly and as safely as possible.
Additional tree and line worker crews
Additional tree and line worker crews are being dispatched from across SWEPCO’s service territory and sister utilities
Additional tree and line worker crews are being dispatched from across SWEPCO’s service territory and sister utilities in Oklahoma to aid in the restoration effort and SWEPCO.
Customers are urged to stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
By the numbers
As of 9 a.m., Monday, approximately 15,000 customers are without power from the storms that brought strong winds, downed trees and snapped more than 300 utility poles and significant spans of electrical wire.
Estimated times of restoration will be made available once assessors have completed their work. When a storm causes the power to go out, assessors ensure the right crew, the right equipment and the right location are accurate to safely and as quickly as possible, restore service to the customers.
