Athens Utilities is down to 1600 without power. Crews continue to work on U.S. 72 setting poles and restoring lines. Use caution in this area and reduce your speed for the safety of the crews.
ATHENS-Along U.S. 72 in Limestone County, a 12-mile path of destruction is lined not only with debris but with first responders as well. Among these first responders are dozens of utility trucks stocked with poles, transformers, wire and crews, who are working in shifts around the clock.
This pace was set Monday, April 28, as soon as the all clear was sounded. An EF-3 tornado touched down in Limestone County and traveled through the heart of the City Athens, twisting utility poles and uprooting everything in its path. The tornado and subsequent storms left 16,000 customers without power and destroyed over 200 utility poles.
Immediately, crews began to de-energize downed power lines to clear the way for rescue workers. Once that task was complete, the restoration process was begun. Crews were faced with assessing the damage and developing a plan for this monumental job. It was clear from the start that Athens Utilities would need outside assistance. Athens Utilities Forman Johnnie Pryor said there are “miles and miles of power lines” that need to be rehung.
Early Tuesday morning crews from Decatur, Ala., Utilities, Benton County, Tenn., Electric Service and Florence, Ala., Utilities arrived to assist. By Tuesday morning 7,500 customers had received power. Tuesday also saw the arrival of Cullman, Ala., Power Board; Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Utility System; Russellville, Ala., Utilities; Tuskegee, Ala., Utility Board; Troy, Ala., Utilities; Huntsville, Ala., Utilities; Guntersville, Ala., Electric Board; Tullahoma, Tenn., Utilities Board; and Scottsboro, Ala., Electric Power Board, doubling the manpower of Athens Utilities crews. The crews are supported by warehouse supply staff, dispatchers and customer service personnel.
Crews have faced many difficult challenges that were overcome through the assistance of Athens City Public Works, Athens Fire and Rescue, Limestone County Commission Districts and volunteer fire departments who cut and removed trees and limbs from power lines, utility structures and roads. The City of Athens Police Department, Limestone County Sheriff’s Department, Alabama State Troopers and the Alabama National Guard provided protection and traffic control.
While working in the disaster areas, crews, volunteers and victims were fed three meals daily by Halsey Foods, Bill Davis of Hickory Barn and many other supportive individuals.
Thursday morning at 1 a.m. crews reenergized the Poplar Creek Substation which sustained extensive damage during Monday’s tornado. This allowed Athens Utilities to begin the restoration of lines and utility structures in the hardest hit areas west of Athens. Progress remains steady as crews work their way out in a radius away from the substation restoring power as they go. Replacing utility poles is a daunting task and can take up to three to four hours per pole.
In other hard hit areas near the city center, structures, fences, downed trees and other obstacles prohibited the use of bucket trucks forcing linemen to climb poles to make repairs. This hampered progress in the city area.
Crews will continue to work around the clock until power is restored to all customers.
Athens Utilities General Manager Gary Scroggins has provided Limestone County EMA a rough estimate of $3 million in damages, manpower and equipment.
MEDIA RELEASE/ Athens Utilities/Amy Golden: 256-262-1525 office
