Missourians face risk of power outages as winter storm approaches
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Missouri residents are being warned about potential power outages this weekend due to an incoming winter storm, according to the Southeastern Electric Reliability Corporation. The organization serves more than 91 million customers across the south-central United States.
Under normal winter conditions, SERC said there is enough power to meet demand. However, if severe cold spreads south as expected Saturday, the system could be stressed.
Extreme cold can cause power plants to fail unexpectedly and drive electricity demand up as people crank up their heat. Generators can provide temporary power, but officials stress they must be used safely.
"Generators are meant to be run outside," said Gale Blomenkamp, who is an assistant chief for the Boone County Fire Protection District. "They're not to be run inside garages. They're not to bee run next to your house or by or near window so that carbon monoxide can come off that generator and actually get into the house."
Other backup heat sources, such as space heaters, fireplaces, and stoves should also be closely monitored while in use.
With temperatures expected to drop well below freezing, frozen pipes are a major concern. Missouri American Water recommends, knowing the location of your main shut-off valve, wrapping pipes with insulation, and letting water trickle overnight to prevent freezing.
"What we instructed our firefighters to do is open the cabinets underneath their sinks, trickle the water overnight, let the water trickle that keeps it from freezing," Blomenkamp said.
He added to never use open flames or heating tools like a propane torch or a hair dryer to thaw frozen pipes because they can quickly cause fires. Officials caution response times for emergencies may be longer than usual during the storm.
"The snow is one thing, whether it's fire, EMS or law enforcement working in the snow. But these bitter cold temperatures are very dangerous for us as well," Blomenkamp said. "Understand that it's going to take us longer to get to your emergency, but we will get there,"
MU Health Care warned patients that ambulance services could also experience delays.
As residents prepare to be snowed in this weekend, local grocery stores are feeling the impact. The Walmart on Conley Road had slim pickings of bread and meats on Friday afternoon, with large sections of chips, toilet paper and cleaning supplies empty.
Schnucks on South Providence and Hy-Vee on East Nifong had fewer empty shelves, but most common items were still sold out.
The ABC 17 Stormtrack Weather Team has issued a Weather Alert Day from Friday morning through Monday morning as dangerous cold and heavy snow are expected over the weekend.
