July 22, 2018
Kentucky Power Storm Update
Sunday, July 22, 2018 – 10:30 a.m.
Summary
Power has been restored to more than 99 percent of 8,600 customers who lost power when strong thunderstorms rolled through eastern Kentucky on July 20. The storms brought down several trees and limbs and caused significant damage. Many poles were broken and multiple strands of wire were down across the service territory.
Weather
Sunday’s weather forecast includes rain. However, it is not expected to cause additional significant outages or hamper restoration efforts.
Storm Response Efforts
Kentucky Power made significant progress on Saturday in restoring service to affected customers. Currently, about 550 customers are without electric service. Company and contract crews are continuing repairs Sunday. More than 300 workers have been responding to outages. Customers in Pike and Martin counties experienced the most outages and is where most still without service are located. Many remaining outages are in isolated locations. Service to those customers should be restored by 8 p.m. Sunday.
Outages
As of 10:30 a.m. Sunday, about 550 customers were without power.
Boyd, 5
Breathitt, 5
Carter, 7
Floyd, 5
Greenup, 8
Knott, 5
Lawrence, 14
Letcher, 5
Martin, 106
Perry, 118
Pike, 279
A snapshot view of current outages affecting five customers or more is available anytime at kentuckypower.com/outages. The outage map is updated every 15 minutes. Restoration information is added when known. Click on “View Outage Map” to access the map on a computer, cell phone, or tablet. Customers can report outages online, on their mobile device or to our Customer Solutions Center at 1-800-572-1113. The Kentucky Power mobile app can be downloaded free at both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
July 21, 2018
KY POWER STORM UPDATE
Saturday, July 21, 2018 – 11:15 a.m.
Summary
Strong thunderstorms that rolled through eastern Kentucky on July 20 caused significant damage and left up to 8,600 customers without electric service. Multiple locations reported wind gusts of nearing 60 mph. The storms caused trees to fall on power lines, bringing down multiple strands of wire and breaking several poles.
Weather
Forecasts call for continued scattered strong storms Saturday. Some spotty strong wind gusts up to 50 mph could occur. Saturday’s storms are expected to cause only minor utility problems from isolated strong winds and lightning. The isolated nature of the storms will allow help speed the restoration process for those without service.
Storm Response Efforts
More than 300 Kentucky Power crews and contractors are responding to outages and assessing damage in affected areas as quickly as possible. Most of the customers without service Saturday are located in Pike, Floyd and Martin counties and are served by the Pikeville District. Crews are continuing to assess damage in those areas. Estimated restoration times for those customers are not immediately available. Customers without power in the Ashland, Hazard and Whitesburg areas should have service restored later tonight.
As service is restored, Kentucky Power will move employee and contract crews from less affected areas to assist with restoration in other more heavily affected areas.
Outages
As of 11:15 a.m. Saturday, about 4,465 customers were without power.
Boyd, 95
Breathitt, 25
Carter, 12
Floyd, 455
Greenup, 325
Johnson, 269
Knott, 41
Lawrence, 162
Leslie, 19
Letcher, 951
Martin, 770
Morgan, 21
Perry, 15
Pike, 2,110
A snapshot view of current outages affecting five customers or more is available anytime at kentuckypower.com/outages. The outage map is updated every 15 minutes. Restoration information is added when known. Click on “View Outage Map” to access the map on a computer, cell phone, or tablet. Customers can report outages online, on their mobile device or to our Customer Solutions Center at 1-800-572-1113. The Kentucky Power mobile app can be downloaded free at both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
For More Information
This update provides a broad overview of the company’s restoration efforts. Customers can get specific information about the outages affecting their accounts via text message and/or email by subscribing to Kentucky Power outage alerts. To sign up, please visit kentuckypower.com/alerts. Information also is posted on Facebook at facebook.com/KentuckyPower.
Safety Message
Customers are reminded that windstorms can loosen trees and branches, which can pose overhead hazards. Also, never touch a downed power line or any wires near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Instead, call 911 or contact Kentucky Power at 800-572-1113 to report hazards. A common myth is that a power line is insulated like a power cord. What may look like insulation is actually weatherproofing material, which offers no insulation.
Life-support customers also are encouraged to contact our customer service number before and in the event of a power outage to advise our representatives of their situation. Due to the nature of restoration activity, Kentucky Power cannot assure priority restoration for life-support customers. Life-support customers are advised to take precautionary measures to protect themselves in the event of a power loss. Contact relatives or friends for assistance or temporary accommodations in the event of a prolonged outage. Keep emergency phone numbers (physicians, hospitals, safety services, utilities) posted near your telephone.
Additional safety tips are posted at kentuckypower.com/outages/faq/OutageSafetyTips.aspx.
Next Update: Updates will be provided as conditions warrant.
