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August 27, 2020 - FM 417 is free-flowing again, as of 2:22pm. Small debris remains on the roadway at different locations, and travelers should continue to use caution.
(1:20pm) - FM 417 from Shelbyville is currently impassable.
TxDOT personnel have blocked the road while crews are working to clear trees and power lines.
FM 2694 is passable, with caution, as crews are still working to remove trees from the roadway.
August 27, 2020 - Shelby County Commissioners are currently working to assess the damage incurred in the area resulting from Hurricane Laura.
Charles Barr, Precinct 3 Commissioner, advises a lot of downed trees are wrapped in power lines and are not able to be handled by commissioner crews.
If anyone sees down power lines, wrapped in trees or not, contact Deep East Texas Electric Co-op, SWEPCO, or whoever your electric provider may be.
Further updates are expected from county officials as the extent of the damage is realized.
August 27, 2020 - SWEPCO reports at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 27, 2020 the following Hurricane Laura Outage Update.
o At 11 a.m., more than 125,000 SWEPCO customers were without power.
o 112,000 of the affected customers are in northwest and central Louisiana.
o Early reports include widespread damage with trees, utility poles and wires down across major roadways.
o The number of customers without power continues to climb as heavy rains with hurricane- and tropical-storm-force winds head north.
o The storm moved into the Valley District as a Category 2 hurricane with 100 mph maximum sustained winds.
Downed power lines
o All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. Although a downed line may look harmless, it could be carrying electricity.
o Don't touch anything in contact with the line, such as trees, fences, or water puddles.
o Stay away and keep children and pets away from downed lines.
o Report downed lines immediately to SWEPCO at 1-888-218-3919.
Workforce
o Nearly 2,300 workers from 14 states and Canada will join more than 400 SWEPCO employees to restore power
Damage assessment process
o After the storm moves through, crews will begin assessing damage, which is essential to effectively planning the recovery work.
o Customers may initially see trucks patrolling for damage to the electric system, hazards such as downed power lines, and issues that could affect access for recovery work.
o After damage is assessed, crews will be dispatched to begin repairs.
Storm restoration process
o Priority is given to essential public health and safety facilities such as hospitals and police and fire stations.
o Work starts with the major power lines and substations that serve large areas and restore power to the largest numbers of customers in the shortest time.
o While crews may not be in the immediate area of individual outages, they may be working elsewhere to complete repairs necessary to restore power to the larger area.
o Then crews fix local power lines and equipment and serves multiple customers, and individual service lines to homes and businesses.
Working safely
o Workers are practicing social distancing and other measures to stay healthy and prevent the spread of coronavirus, making the recovery effort especially challenging.
o Maintain at least six feet of physical distance between yourself and SWEPCO field personnel as we all play a crucial role in preventing the spread of coronavirus.
o Also, be careful in when driving or walking in all utility crew work zones.
Generator safety
o If you use a portable or RV generator, do not plug the generator into your circuit box.
o Portable generators can "backfeed" electricity up the line and risk the lives of repair workers and the public.
o Follow the manufacturers' instructions carefully, and plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
Keeping food cold
o During a power outage, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold air inside.
o Check out sources of ice or dry ice, if needed.
o Food should stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully loaded freezer, 24 hours in a half-full freezer – if you keep the door closed.
Reporting and Tracking Outages
· Use the SWEPCO app, available for download via the App Store or Google Play.
· Log on to SWEPCO.com to report an outage and sign up for text and email updates, including an estimated time of restoration.
· Visit SWEPCO.com/OutageMap to find detailed information without logging into your account
· Call 1-888-218-3919 to report your outage. During and immediately after the storm, customers are asked to call the Customer Solution Center only to report downed power lines and other situations that could pose a safety threat.
For updates and photos see SWEPCO.com and, 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, LinkedIn.com/company/swepco and SWEPCOConnections.com.
August 27, 2020 - Emergency personnel throughout Shelby County continue to respond to damaged areas, clearing debris and assisting those in need after and during Hurricane Laura passing through the area.
The active Shelby County Courthouse appears to have made it through the storm unscathed, aside from damage to the sign. Within the same vicinity, there is damage on Houston Street beside the courthouse and next to Raymond Motor Company where a large oak tree has fallen beside the building.
It also appears the tree fell on power lines which has resulted in many on San Augustine Street and the surrounding area losing power.
August 27, 2020 - For City of Center services please call 936/598-2788. City Hall phones are down due to the power outage.
August 27, 2020 - Road conditions being reported by TxDOT and Shelby County Today viewers:
- TxDOT ALERT: Trees reported down in Shelby County at FM 417 about 2 miles west of US 96 and on FM 2694 at Boles Field. Motorists should avoid the areas and stay alert to remaining storm conditions.
- TxDOT ALERT: Power lines are reported down and entangled in a fallen tree on FM 417 and FM 2694 in Shelby County. Motorists should avoid the area as storm conditions persist. Crews will respond once it is safe to clear the scene.
- CR 2582 is blocked
- The tree on Shelbyville Street in Center has been cleared out of the roadway
- Trees down across FM 138 (Arcadia Road), FM 139 (Huxley area), and Boles Field Road.
Other Counties:
- TxDOT ALERT: Both lanes of traffic are closed on SH 21, just off SH 103 in Sabine County due to downed trees. Motorists should choose alternate routes and avoid the area until storm cleanup can begin and roads are cleared.
- TxDOT ALERT: Multiple locations of downed trees being reported in Sabine County including at SH 103 at Maddux Creek, FM 276 and on FM 2024. Motorists should avoid these areas until roadways are cleared.
August 27, 2020 - The National Weather Service cancelled the Hurricane Warning for Laura and issued a Tropical Storm warning at 7:27am, Thursday, August 27, 2020.
A Tropical Storm Warning means tropical storm-force winds are expected somewhere within this area within the next 36 hours.
Winds
Lastest local forecast: Below tropical storm force wind
- Peak wind forecast of 25-35 mph with gusts to 45 mph.
Threat to Life and Property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: Potential for wind 58 to 73 mph.
- The wind threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Plan for dangerous wind of equivalent strong tropical storm force.
- PREPARE: Last minute efforts to protect life and property should now be complete. The area remains subject to significant wind damage.
- ACT: Now is the time to shelter from dangerous wind.
Potential Impacts: Unfolding
- Potential impacts from the main wind event are unfolding.
Flooding Rain
Latest local forecast: Flash Flood Watch is in effect
- Peak Rainfall Amounts: Additional 2-4 inches, with locally higher amounts
Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: Potential for major flooding rain.
- The flooding rain threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should include the potential for major flooding from heavy rain. Evacuations and rescues are likely.
- PREPARE: Strongly consider protective actions, especially if you are in an area vulnerable to flooding.
- ACT: Heed any flood watches and warnings. Failure to take action will likely result in serious injury or loss of life.
Potential Impacts: Extensive
- Major rainfall flooding may prompt many evacuations and rescues.
- Rivers and tributaries may rapidly overflow their banks in multiple places. Small streams, creeks, canals, arroyos, and ditches may become dangerous rivers. In mountain areas, destructive runoff may run quickly down valleys while increasing susceptibility to rockslides and mudslides. Flood control systems and barriers may become stressed.
- Flood waters can enter many structures within multiple communities, some structures becoming uninhabitable or washed away. Many places where flood waters may cover escape routes. Streets and parking lots become rivers of moving water with underpasses submerged. Driving conditions become dangerous. Many road and bridge closures with some weakened or washed out.
Tornado
Latest Local Forecast: Tornado Watch is in effect
- Situation is somewhat favorable for tornadoes
Threat to life and property that includes typical forecast uncertainty in track, size and intensity: Potential for a few tornadoes.
- The tornado threat has remained nearly steady from the previous assessment.
- PLAN: Emergency plans should continue to include possible tornadoes.
- PREPARE: Stay within your shelter keeping informed of the latest tornado situation.
- ACT: Move quickly to the safest place within your shelter if a tornado warning is issued.
Potential Impacts: Limited
- The occurrence of isolated tornadoes can hinder the execution of emergency plans during tropical events.
- A few places may experience tornado damage, along with power and communications disruptions.
- Locations could realize roofs peeled off buildings, chimneys toppled, mobile homes pushed off foundations or overturned, large tree tops and branches snapped off, shallow-rooted trees knocked over, moving vehicles blown off roads, and small boats pulled from moorings.
For more information: http://ready.gov/hurricanes
August 27, 2020 - Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert warning Texans and Texas companies to exercise caution with any purchase order purporting to come from a state agency when they have not established prior contact with that agency. Recently, scammers and entities posing as state agencies have sent out purchase orders for goods. The company receiving the fraudulent purchase order then processes the order, ships the goods and never receives payment from the scammers.
“All Texans should be aware of unsolicited purchase orders and requests from fraudsters impersonating leaders in their government. This is a scam that deceitful individuals are using to enrich themselves at the expense of hardworking citizens,” said Attorney General Paxton. “My office has a long history of pursuing those who attempt to defraud Texans and we stand ready to assist anyone harmed by these schemes.”
Texas state agencies have detailed procurement procedures for purchase orders and contracts. All unsolicited purchase orders supposedly sent from state agencies should be independently verified through direct contact with the agency.
August 26, 2020 - A tornado watch is in effect until 8am for the following locations, including Shelby County.
Texas counties included are:
Hardin, Jasper, Jefferson, Newton, Orange, Sabine, San Augustine, Shelby, Tyler.
August 26, 2020 - Significant Weather Advisory for De Soto, Northwestern Red River, and Southwestern Caddo Parishes Southeastern Harrison, Panola, and Shelby Counties until 7:15pm CDT.
At 623 PM CDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along a line extending from 8 miles northeast of Mansfield to 7 miles northeast of Logansport to near Shelbyville. Movement was northwest at 40 mph.
Winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with these storms.
Locations impacted include: Shreveport, Carthage, Center, Mansfield, Greenwood, Blanchard, Waskom, Stonewall, Logansport, Tenaha, Timpson, Beckville, Joaquin, Deberry, Elysian Fields, Neuville, Shelbyville, Scottsville, South Mansfield and Gary City.
A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 9pm CDT for northwestern Louisiana, and eastern and northeastern Texas.
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