Winter Storm Preparation
As the winter storm approaches North Texas, Oncor says extra crews are ready and service centers are being stocked with supplies they’ll need to fix power lines and other equipment.
How much they’ll have to work depends on the amount of ice, snow and wind, said Oncor spokesperson Kerri Dunn.
“I don’t have a magic number,” Dunn said, referring to the amount of ice that could cause significant disruption. “Even a thin layer of ice can lead to impacts.”
Understanding the Risks
Ice accumulation can make a tree limb 30 times heavier, according to Oncor, and can add hundreds of pounds of weight to power lines. Wind makes damage more likely. Some parts of the area could be more affected than others, because even small variations in temperature and precipitation can make a big difference in terms of the threat to power lines.
Preparation Efforts
Dunn said the electric utility has distributed transformers, poles and other hardware across its region, which extends north to the Red River, as far south as Round Rock, and includes portions of West Texas. Scheduled tree trimming will continue ahead of the storm, safety permitting.
Oncor also coordinates with electricity providers from other states, and in the past has used crews as far away as Alabama, North Carolina, Illinois and even New York. It’s too early to tell who might be available if needed, Dunn said.
“This storm is expected to impact the entire country,” she said. “Crews from out of state may not be willing to send their own team members until they can understand what the impacts are in their region.”
Additional Risks
Besides ice, snow and wind directly affecting power lines and causing limbs to break, vehicle accidents can also cause power outages. Vehicles that skid on icy roads routinely hit utility poles and transformers, the green metal boxes seen on roadsides.
During last January’s winter storm, Dunn said, Oncor noticed those types of accidents spiking just as ice started accumulating.
“We would have to take out the damaged equipment and replace it with new equipment,” she said. “Some of that can be very time intensive work.”
Public Safety
“If there’s any opportunity to avoid those outages in the first place by making sure that people stay off the road, if they don’t have to be and just drive very cautiously, I think that’s very appreciated by all of Texas,” Dunn said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the winter storm approaching North Texas poses a significant threat to power lines and equipment, and Oncor is taking steps to prepare for potential outages. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, residents can help minimize the impact of the storm.
FAQs
Q: What is Oncor doing to prepare for the winter storm?
A: Oncor is stocking up on supplies, distributing transformers and poles, and coordinating with electricity providers from other states to prepare for potential outages.
Q: How can I stay safe during the storm?
A: Stay off the roads unless necessary, drive cautiously, and avoid traveling during icy conditions to minimize the risk of accidents and power outages.
Q: What should I do if I experience a power outage?
A: Contact Oncor to report the outage and follow their instructions for restoration. Stay safe and avoid downed power lines or damaged equipment.
