Black River Electric Power Repairs

(Fredericktown, MO) Black River Electric Cooperative crews are working to restore power as quickly and safely as possible after severe thunderstorms and at least one tornado ripped through Bollinger and Wayne Counties early Wednesday morning, bringing extensive damage to communities and multiple power outages. Repairs to the tornado damaged area are expected to extend into the weekend. Crews have restored power to approximately 1,200 members since the storm. There are 1,020 members without power as of 6:00 a.m. Thursday. All Black River Electric crews are in the field along with line contractors and additional tree trimming crews. Mutual Aid through the Missouri Electric Cooperative network have also joined the restoration efforts. The majority of electrical damage is on a line from the Grassy community, through Glenallen and Scopus. Damage assessments continue, but approximately 100 broken poles have been identified and several miles of line were on the ground. In many cases, crews are having to clear massive numbers of downed trees to access repairs. Members with service entrance damage (meter base or mast pulled off the house) are encouraged to contact an electrician to make repairs before they can be reconnected. Any structural damage can affect the safety of the service when energized. Call the Black River Electric Service Department with questions. Black River Electric officials remind you to never touch, move, or drive over downed power lines. Before clearing debris from yards, roads, driveways, etc. look for power lines in the debris field. To report an outage, please call 1-800-392-4711.