In response to an extreme storm system that has impacted Tallahassee, Fla., causing widespread and extensive damage, the Florida Municipal Electric Association has called on its national mutual aid network to bring in more than 215 personnel from 20 utilities in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina to assist with power restoration efforts in the capital city, FMEA reported on May 10.
“Crews are working to restore power to the nearly 80,000 impacted City of Tallahassee customers as quickly and as safely as possible,” said Amy Zubaly, Executive Director of FMEA, noting that FMEA has been in contact with federal, state and local officials and is prepared to call for additional resources if necessary.
The City of Tallahassee said that an intense weather system with winds reported between 80-100 mph moved through Tallahassee on the morning, May 10, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
“Assessment of the electric grid shows severe damage to transmission lines, impacting 11 substations. Prolonged outages are anticipated as the grid is rebuilt and repaired. Crews are actively working,” the city said.
Damage assessment crews are taking an inventory of the damage, including broken pole counts. Early estimates indicate more than 100 poles are broken. “Crews will work around the clock until service is restored,” the city said.
