Pepco Preparing for Heavy Rain and Possible Outages

Pepco is preparing for possible outages with forecasts calling for heavy rain this weekend, possibly producing localized flooding. Early forecasts also show that Hurricane Joaquin could generate additional heavy rain with sustained winds over 40 mph Sunday evening or early Monday in our area.

According to a Pepco news release, officials are monitoring weather forecasts and will have crews prepared to restore potential outages. Company officials said about 150 internal linemen, 250 contractors and more than 200 tree crews already working on the system and are available to respond. In addition, Pepco has requested mutual assistance crews.

With the combination of rain and wind, power outages are expected. High winds can bring tree limbs into contact with power lines causing interruptions. Heavy rain can saturate soil and weaken tree root systems. Particularly with full foliage, trees then are more vulnerable in high winds and can be uprooted and fall onto power lines and equipment, causing power outages. Outages can also occur due to drivers skidding into utility poles along wet, slippery roads.

Officials said safety is Pepco’s number one priority. Customers should stay clear of working crews and any wires hanging loose from poles or lying on the ground. Customers should always assume that downed wires are energized and avoid them.

Customers are asked to immediately report any downed wire by calling 1.877.PEPCO.62 (1.877.737.2662). Customers should report outages by calling 1.877.PEPCO62 (1.877.737.2662), visiting pepco.com or through the mobile app, available for download at pepco.com/mobile app.

Pepco officials are advising customers to prepare. Emergency kits should include a battery-powered radio or television, flashlight, a first-aid kit, battery-powered or windup clock, extra batteries, special needs items, an insulated cooler and a list of important and emergency phone numbers.

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