State of Emergency declared locally

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Since going to press, Tri-County Electric has made significant progress restoring power in Clay County and throughout their service area.  As of Wednesday afternoon, they were reporting 740 members were still without power in Clay County.  Up-to-date numbers can be found online at https://outages.tcemc.org.  The City of Celina had also reported on Facebook that their water issues had been remedied.

CLAY COUNTY-Winter Storm Fern blew through the region over the weekend prompting a State of Emergency declaration and leaving much of the county here without power, as temperatures plunged into the teens and were forecast to fall into the single digits.

At one time Sunday, Tri-County Electric, which described the ice storm as “brutal,” reported over 30,000 meters in their service area were inoperable and many remained that way here as of HORIZON press time Monday.

“Tri-County Electric crews are working to restore power this morning throughout our service area in hazardous conditions—including brutally cold weather, ice, snow, downed trees, and rough terrain,” the cooperative posted on Facebook.  “Roads have been closed in some areas.  Safety remains our top priority, and we will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore service to everyone.”

Tri-County CEO Glenn Hale also addressed the public via Facebook.

“This storm of historic proportions has caused widespread damage across our system,” Hale said in a video.  “This damage includes downed power lines, broken poles, and tree damage from ice accumulation.

“In many areas icy roads and hazardous conditions are slowing access for our crews to begin repairs.  Because of the extent of the damage outages may last longer than we would normally expect.”

He explained members should plan for “extended outages” and have safe ways to stay warm or find other places to shelter as needed.

“I want you to know our crews are prepared, committed, and deeply focused on restoring service as safely and as quickly as conditions allow,” Hale said.  

He also explained Tri-County was receiving assistance from other co-ops and contract crews.

“We will have 20 additional crews on our system by the end of the day,” Hale said on Monday.  “We appreciate your patience, your understanding, and the trust you place in us in times like this.”

The Clay County Emergency Management Agency also posted a news release the same day stating both the City of Celina and Clay County have declared a State of Emergency and the information said “as of the time of the release, outage maps indicate approximately 2,500 customers remain without power.”

“Local and county agencies are actively coordinating response efforts to support affected residents,” the release said.  “Officials strongly encourage the public to check on neighbors, particularly elderly residents and other vulnerable populations, to ensure their safety and well-being.”

Water shortages were also reported by the City of Celina and other utility districts due to power outages, and a water distribution site was established Monday at the Clay County Fairgrounds.

“Clay County Emergency Services will be working to distribute water to fire departments throughout the county; however, residents may also pick up water directly at the distribution site,” Clay County EMA posted on their Facebook page.  “We kindly ask everyone to only take what they need, so supplies can be shared fairly across the community.”

For further updates, follow the Clay County Emergency Management Agency and Tri-County Electric on Facebook.