Power companies prepare for Hurricane Isaias impacts

COLUMBUS, Miss. (WTVA) — As Hurricane Isaias moves closer to the Gulf Coast, crews across the area are preparing for impacts that may include power and internet outages.

4 County Electric Power Association and Fiber Internet said it is taking steps to be ready when the storm arrives this weekend.

The company, which has 90 years of service, said it is prepared for Isaias and the impacts it may bring.

Linemen on standby

4 County Electric Power Association said it will have 70 linemen on standby this weekend.

The company will also have a full house in its operations and command center, monitoring power outages as they happen.

The company is asking customers to report power outages if they occur.

It also asked customers to be patient this weekend, saying there could be several power outages across the nine counties it covers.

Forecasters are predicting potential wind gusts of 50 to 60 mph Saturday morning across the area. Trees and tree limbs can fall and knock down power and internet lines as a result.

A company spokesperson said if the power is out, 4 County is out to repair it.

“We got our trucks fueled, we got everything ready to go. We have the outage line if we do have outages there, and I can assure you that inventory is good and we are going to do all we can do. We appreciate it, and everyone stays safe,” said Mark Thompson, operations manager.

Warning on downed power lines

4 County Electric is asking everyone not to drive over, cut, remove or move any downed power lines. Touching downed lines is dangerous and potentially deadly, and doing so can delay the company’s process of restoring power.

It can also be costly for the company, as damaged fiber optic cables have to be fully replaced.

4 County Electric said its main focus is local coverage first. If crews have free hands, the company may send some linemen to assist in recovery efforts along the coast.