Strong winds cause power outages across Mid-Missouri
BOONVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)
Strong winds moving through Mid-Missouri Sunday led to scattered power outages across counties.
The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for central Missouri through Monday afternoon, warning residents about potentially hazardous wind conditions.
According to the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, at around 4:13 p.m., 813 customers were without power across Mid-Missouri. This dropped to around 300 customers by 6 p.m.
In Boone County, outages reached a high of 58 customers without power at 2 p.m. Service was restored around 5:30 p.m., but outages increased again to 63 customers by 6 p.m.
Moniteau County saw outages increase from 75 on Sunday afternoon to 145 by 6 p.m., while Texas County reported the largest outage, with more than 915 customers without power at one point Sunday.
ABC 17 Stormtrack Chief Meteorologist Jessica Hafner reported wind gusts reached 40 to 50 miles per hour at times Sunday, with sustained winds around 20 to 30 miles per hour. The winds are also expected to push temperatures down into the teens by Monday morning.
In Cooper County, about 625 residents were without power for several hours during the day. According to William Johnson with the Cooper County Fire Protection District, a tree that fell along Highway 179 brought down power lines and temporarily blocked the southbound lane.
"When a road is closed for down powerlines it usually means crews or dealing with both electrical hazards and blocked access." Johnson said.
Some residents said outages caused by strong winds are not uncommon.
It's really windy out here. Not much to block it you almost blow away when you walk out your back door," Boonville resident Paige Nichols said.
Nichold added power outages sometimes take hours to restore.
"Sometimes it could last up to eight hours. Just kind of hit or miss on how fast they get the power back up,"
By 5 p.m., the roadway had been cleared and power was restored to all customers in Cooper County.
"Be aware of your surroundings and current weather conditions. With damaged areas or road blockages due to downed trees and powerlines avoid those areas entirely if at all possible. Let the cruise work without extra traffic or interference." Johnson said.
The Cooper County Fire Protection District is advising residents to take precautions during outages. Officials recommend using flashlights instead of candles to reduce fire risk. They also advise residents to unplug sensitive electronics to prevent damage from power surges when electricity returns.
Additionally, officials say residents should keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to help preserve food until power is restored.
Check back for updates.
