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February 17, 2021 - Unfortunately, today’s update brings unwelcome news.
DETEC is currently reporting approximately 22,000 meters without power. This is 50% of the DETEC system. All outages now are due to ice accumulation. Half an inch of ice can add as much as 500 pounds to a power line, and damage can begin when accumulations exceed a quarter of an inch. Additional weight can be applied if a tree branch breaks off and rests on it, increasing the potential for the power line to come down. Rolling blackouts and load issues are no longer the primary issues as much damage to the system has occurred now.
Crews are fighting a loosing battle trying to restore power in the current conditions, but they continue to work to the best of their ability. We will have crews work until dark today as the road conditions will deteriorate as the temperature drops.
In full transparency we have as much damage, if not more, as we did from prior hurricanes. At this time, we estimate that power restoration may take up to 3 weeks to complete.
Due to the amount of outage calls coming in, our phone system has been unable to keep up. We are aware of these issues and have escalated this concern to the appropriate channels. We hope to have this issue resolved soon.
If you are dependent upon electricity for medical needs, seek an alternate location. Call 911 for medical emergencies, do not wait it out for the power to be restored. The Texas grid issues are too fragile, and the weather is too extreme to risk depending upon a quick restoration process.
We know what you are going through because the employees of your co-op and their families are going through this with you. As always, we will work as quickly and as safely as possible. Together, we will overcome yet another blow that Mother Nature has issued us. Please check on our neighbors, especially the elderly and those with children.
February 17, 2021 - Due to the emergency alert Eastex Telephone Co-op sent out below, City of Huxley phone lines will be down, including the emergency phone line. If you have a gas or water emergency and cannot reach us at 936-368-2377, please contact the Sheriff's Department at 936-598-5601 or dial 911.***
EMERGENCY ALERT FOR HUXLEY EXCHANGE CUSTOMERS
Due to ongoing power outages in the Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) region, our telephone and internet facilities served out of our Huxley exchange central office are currently being supported by battery backup power only. This backup power is not expected to last beyond 5 PM given the current and projected freezing conditions. Due to the extreme remote nature of the Huxley central office and current dangerous, icy road conditions, Eastex personnel are unable to reach this central office to deploy additional backup generators. This means that when the current battery backup runs out of power, all internet and telephone services supported by this central office will cease functioning, and customers served by this office will lose internet service as well as their ability to make or receive telephone calls via their landline phone, including calls to 911.
Eastex is coordinating with DETCOG as well as local 911 authorities in the Huxley exchange area to alert them to this situation and take all reasonable measures to assist customers in this area. If you have any emergency medical needs or require emergency assistance and do not have any reliable means to contact emergency responders other than your landline telephone service, please contact 9-1-1 as soon as possible to request assistance.
If you have questions about this alert, you may contact our Henderson business office toll-free at 800-232-7839. Please leave a detailed recording with your name, the telephone number associated with your landline service, and your service address. We are monitoring all calls while our business office is closed, and will respond to all messages as quickly as possible.
February 17, 2021 - The Texas DSHS Covid-19 Dashboard reports 1 new death and 124 active cases on Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
Of the new cases reported, 1 was a new confirmed case and 1 was a new probable case. The dashboard also shows 4 additional recoveries.
February 17th (12:35pm) Numbers:
Total Confirmed Cases - 858 (1 new case)
Total Probable Cases - 648 (1 new case)
Total Fatalities - 51 (1 new)
Total Estimated Active Cases - 124
Total Estimated Recovered - 1,331 (4 new)
February 17, 2021 – Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO) is ready to begin damage assessment and power restoration as today’s winter storm brings freezing rain, ice, sleet and snow to the Ark-La-Tex. SWEPCO anticipates significant damage to the electric system and the potential for extended power outages.
Approximately 2,700 utility line, tree and support personnel from 15 states and Canada will assist company resources with power restoration. Workers will be positioned in Shreveport, Bossier City, Natchitoches/Mansfield, Longview and Texarkana.
Ice storms can be slowly developing events with new outages occurring over many hours. We expect extremely hazardous road conditions and difficult access to damaged utility equipment.
How SWEPCO Restores Power
As soon as it is safe to do so, we will begin clearing immediate hazards, like downed power lines, and assessing damage. You may see our trucks traveling through your area and then leave. These workers are looking for damage and access for line workers and tree crews. Other crews will be dispatched to repair the power lines and facilities.
Our first priority is restoring service to hospitals, police and fire stations and other essential public health and safety facilities.
Workers begin by repairing major power lines and substations. They work to restore power to the largest numbers of customers in the shortest time. Then, they repair local lines and equipment that serve multiple customers. Finally, crews will work to restore service to individual homes and businesses.
Estimated times of restoration will be provided as soon as possible as damage assessment and repairs proceed.
The storm recovery process could be complicated if controlled outages are required again by the 14-state electric grid operator, as they were Monday and Tuesday. Emergency weather and electric system conditions continue across the region, and SWEPCO will implement its emergency plan as called upon by the Southwest Power Pool. Whether related to storms or controlled outages, we will work as safely and quickly as possible to restore power.
How to Report, Track Outages
- Log on to SWEPCO.com to report an outage and to sign up for text and email updates, including an estimated time of restoration.
- Use the SWEPCO app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play.
- Call 1-888-218-3919 to report your outage.
- Visit SWEPCO.com/OutageMap to find detailed information without logging into your account.
Four Storm Prep Tips
- Customers who are on life support systems or need uninterrupted electric service for health reasons should make alternate arrangements in preparation for potential power outages. Check with those who are elderly or have medical conditions to ensure they have a plan in place.
- Be sure to have an adequate supply of any medications and medical supplies, plus any supplies needed for babies and pets.
- Charge phones, laptops and other electronic devices.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential items.
More information on what do to prepare for an outage may be found at SWEPCO.com/Outages.
Stay Safe
- Assume that any downed utility line is energized. Stay away and keep children and pets away from downed lines. Report it immediately to SWEPCO at 1-888-218-3919.
- Be extremely careful when using any alternate forms of heating, cooking and lighting.
- If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box. Portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public. Follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully, and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
If Your Power Goes Out
- If you lose power, please turn off heating, water heating and large appliances to enable smoother service restoration. Once power is restored, switch the devices back on gradually over the following 30 to 45 minutes. Taking this step helps prevent a sudden surge in demand after power is restored, which could result in a second outage.
For updates and photos, follow SWEPCO on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Southwestern Electric Power Co. (SWEPCO)
SWEPCO, an American Electric Power (AEP: NYSE) company, serves more than 543,000 customers in northwest and central Louisiana, northeast Texas and the Texas Panhandle, and western Arkansas. SWEPCO’s headquarters are in Shreveport, La. News releases and other information about SWEPCO can be found at SWEPCO.com. Connect with us at Facebook.com/SWEPCO, Twitter.com/SWEPCOnews, Instagram.com/swepco, Youtube.com/SWEPCOtv and LinkedIn.com/company/swepco.
February 17, 2021 - Shelby County Today has received multiple reports of carports and structures collapsing due to the weight of ice and snow.
An alternate location to park vehicles may need to be taken into consideration during this time, and if the stability of any structure is questionable, stay out from underneath.
To avoid injury, people should also avoid entering structures which may have partially collapsed.
February 17, 2021 - Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shooting in the 100 block of County Road 1446 in Tenaha on February 12, 2021 at 3:31am.
Per Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham, when deputies arrived on scene, a female was found with a gunshot wound to the left thigh area and a male sustained a wound in the abdomen.
Both individuals were transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center by Allegiance EMS.
This case is under investigation; no further information will be released at this time.
February 17, 2021 - With temperatures below freezing in Huxley, water conservation is essential to maintaining sufficient water pressure in the system. Damage from frozen and burst pipes in the system can cause a drop in water pressure along with an overuse of water by customers. If water pressure drops below a certain threshold, customers will need to boil water before use.
We are advising customers to reduce water usage by turning off any faucets that may be left on or left running overnight as well as reducing washing machine and dishwasher usage. By reducing water usage, the City of Huxley can continue working towards maintaining adequate water pressure levels.
If you do experience a burst pipe or have water issues, please call our emergency number (936)368-2377.
February 16, 2021 - The City of Center is experiencing an increased number of service calls regarding water leaks due to the recent winter weather. Currently, we have a portion of Nacogdoches St., between Lillian Street and Hurst Street, water service shut off due to a line break. Approximately 20 customers are affected.
Estimated restored water service is expected by 5pm, Wednesday the 17th. Please have patience in our response time as the road conditions limit our staffing abilities and safety of our employees. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Works Department at 936-598-2941.
Shelbyville hill is solid ice and impassable at the moment. Photo submitted.
February 16, 2021 - Be advised that the Hwy 87 south roadway in Shelbyville is currently blocked and traffic is backed up due to two 18-wheelers which have slid off the roadway into the ditch. The Shelbyville Volunteer Fire Department and the Center Fire Department are on scene assisting with traffic control until TxDOT can assist with brine to help with the situation.
Shelbyville hill. Photo submitted.
Travelers are staying in the grove of two lanes, one north and one south, of the four lanes on Hurst Street/US 96 in Center. Travelers are being good staying clear of each other and traveling slowly.
Snowfall has been packed down on roadways covering up roadway markings and in areas where the snow and ice has been broken up and the roadway is visible, it has left a slushy mess that will soon likely ice over. Both situations are dangerous for travelers. With the sun shining, hills are already being difficult to climb for many vehicles. Stay off the roadways if at all possible. Tonights weather is only supposed to worsen what is already treacherous terrain.
Earlier today, the Huxley Volunteer Fire Department responded to FM 2427 for traffic control and to assist another 18-wheeler which had turned sideways in the Dreka Church area.
Huxley VFD out in the cold weather helping an 18-wheeler in the Dreka Area. Photos from Dreka submitted by SCT viewer.
The view turning onto Roughrider Drive in Center.
February 16, 2021 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport LA, issued at 11:55am CST on Tuesday, February 16, 2021, an urgent winter weather message. The next winter storm will push into our area tonight and continue through Thursday morning.
A winter storm warning remains in effect from 6pm this evening to noon CST Thursday, February 18. The wind chill advisory is cancelled.
WHAT... A wintry mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Snow and sleet accumulations will range from less than 2 inches south of the I-20 corridor to 5 to 8 inches north of the I-30 corridor. Ice accumulations of a quarter of an inch to a half of an inch with localized higher amounts will be possible from Deep East Texas across northwestern Louisiana, central Louisiana, and into south-central Arkansas.
WHERE... Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana, southeast Oklahoma, south central and southwest Arkansas and east and northeast Texas.
WHEN... From 6 PM this evening to noon CST Thursday.
IMPACTS... Treacherous road conditions will continue across the region. Locations with over a quarter inch of ice will see downed limbs and powerlines which will lead to the possibility of widespread power outages. Cold temperatures will continue to make extended time outdoors dangerous with the risk of hypothermia.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.
Areas in the Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas impacted are Sevier, Howard, Little River, Hempstead, Nevada, Miller, Lafayette, Columbia, Union, Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Lincoln, De Soto, Red River, Bienville, Jackson, Ouachita, Sabine, Natchitoches, Winn, Grant, Caldwell, La Salle, McCurtain, Bowie, Franklin, Titus, Camp, Morris, Cass, Wood, Upshur, Marion, Smith, Gregg, Harrison, Cherokee, Rusk, Panola, Nacogdoches, Shelby, Angelina, San Augustine and includes the cities of De Queen, Nashville, Mineral Springs, Dierks, Ashdown, Hope, Prescott, Texarkana, Stamps, Lewisville, Bradley, Magnolia, El Dorado, Shreveport, Bossier City, Minden, Springhill, Homer, Haynesville, Ruston, Farmerville, Bernice, Mansfield, Stonewall, Logansport, Coushatta, Martin, Arcadia, Ringgold, Gibsland, Jonesboro, Monroe, Many, Zwolle, Pleasant Hill, Natchitoches, Winnfield, Colfax, Montgomery, Dry Prong, Clarks, Grayson, Columbia, Jena, Midway, Olla, Idabel, Broken Bow, Clarksville, Bogata, Mount Vernon, Mount Pleasant, Pittsburg, Daingerfield, Lone Star, Naples, Omaha, Atlanta, Linden, Hughes Springs, Queen City, Mineola, Winnsboro, Quitman, Hawkins, Gilmer, Big Sandy, Jefferson, Tyler, Longview, Marshall, Jacksonville, Rusk, Henderson, Carthage, Nacogdoches, Center, Lufkin, San Augustine, Hemphill, and Pineland.
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