Weather conditions lead to further power outages

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A Power outage occurred in Weatherford due to the winter weather conditions in Oklahoma.

Residents in Weatherford lost power around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday and 12:00 p.m. Wednesday.

“We had one power outage and it affected about 9,000 customers around the Weatherford and Thomas area. The ice and wind caused damage to the poles,” Region F president of external affairs Mike Hixon said.

PSO is continuing to respond to weatherrelated outages across the service area including primarily large portions of western and Southwest Oklahoma. In addition, PSO is prepared to respond to outages throughout our service area as needed.

PSO is coordinating with local emergency management authorities and continues to monitor forecasts and other factors that could create additional impacts on the electric system.

The weather continues to cause damage as PSO crews, along with additional crews and support, work to assess damage and make repairs. Additional weight on tree limbs caused by ice accumulating on leaves has resulted in severe tree damage and limbs coming into contact with energized lines. PSO currently has more than 650 workers, including line workers, tree crews and support staff, dedicated to restoring power safely and as quickly as possible. An additional 385 workers from outside the area are expected to arrive in stages throughout this evening and tomorrow.

Along with electricity issues around the Weatherford area, highway, interstate and city road conditions are a concern.

Highway and interstate conditions continue to improve across central and northwestern Oklahoma, and Oklahoma Department of Transportation crews are continuing round-the-clock operations to treat roadways with salt and sand.

In areas where ice accumulated from this winter storm, drivers should be alert to tree debris, falling ice and also downed power lines across highways. Crews continue to work with emergency responders to monitor and clear roadways as needed. Several highways in Caddo and Grady counties are closed due to downed power lines, and drivers are reminded to never drive over fallen lines. Go to www.okroads.org for a map of current closures.

The Panhandle, slick and hazardous driving conditions are reported in Cimarron County and crews are treating isolated slick areas throughout northwestern Oklahoma. In western Oklahoma, isolated slick areas are reported in counties near the Oklahoma/Texas state line, including US-62, SH-5, SH-6, and SH-30 in Harmon County. In Dewey County, SH-34 and SH-47 have slick and hazardous driving conditions. Be alert to crews and equipment working in these areas.

Highways and interstates in central Oklahoma have improved conditions, and crews are monitoring for any refreezing issues.

During winter weather events, drivers should closely follow the forecast and check current road conditions on the interactive travel map at www.okroads.org or through the Drive Oklahoma smart phone app.