UPDATES: As of sunset on Sunday, the Sylacauga Utilities Board had 871 customers without power at 93 different locations. Issues are mainly broken poles, downed lines, and access in some areas, and multiple crews are working as diligently as possible.
Meanwhile, Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative reported 841 customers still without power, and Alabama Power advised that restoration of service to affected customers in Clay, Randolph, and Talladega counties may not be complete until Thursday evening.
Sylacauga City Schools will be open on Monday, Nov. 2, but students will not be penalized for absences due to power or transportation issues. For students in school, academic instruction, meals, and bus transportation will be provided. Blended and virtual students are welcome and encouraged to attend classes if they have power or internet issues at home.
Talladega County Schools will be closed.
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SYLACAUGA, Ala. – A freeze warning is in effect from midnight tonight until 8:00 a.m. on Monday for several Alabama counties including the cities of Sylacauga and Talladega. Sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 degrees are expected.
The First Baptist Church in Sylacauga will be opening at 4:00 p.m. today as shelter for those still without power. They ask that visitors supply their own bedding, pillows, toiletries, and towels and noted that hot showers will be available.
Hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses are still without power. In our area, the Sylacauga Utilities Board, Alabama Power, and Coosa Valley Electric Cooperative are continuing non-stop work on restoration. According to Sylacauga Utilities Board General Manager Mitch Miller, crews from Albertville, Andalusia, Dothan, Huntsville, Russellville, Scottsboro, and Sheffield have been assisting in the Sylacauga area.
CVEC General Manager Leland Fuller said downed trees and damaged structures have been the biggest problem, with falling trees breaking crossarms, insulators, and other hardware. “Our crews are working as quickly as they can, but this kind of damage takes time to fix. We will get all services restored.” Multiple crews from Tennessee have also been assisting with repairs.
“Tropical Storm Zeta is without doubt one of the worst storms to have hit our distribution system,” Fuller added. “It certainly affected more CVEC members than any storm the Cooperative’s history.”
People in homes without power should follow these tips:
— Make sure your kitchen range is off, both the surface and the oven.
— Turn off all unnecessary appliances.
— When power comes back on, slowly switch on your appliances and lights and gradually return your thermostat to its normal setting.
— Leave your porch light on so workers will know when your power has been restored.
To prevent freezing and possible bursting of outdoor water pipes overnight, they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly. In-ground sprinkler systems should be drained, and above-ground pipes should be covered to protect them from freezing.
