News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Caney Fork Utility General Manager Bill Rogers said workers will break at 8pm Sunday night and start fresh Monday morning.
Calling the damage across the utility service area more devastating than the 2015 ice storm, Rogers said it will require patience from customers to get all the power restored.
Rogers said his workforce has been “all hands on deck” for 14 to 16 hours Sunday. He said to ensure the safety of the workforce, the team needs a good night’s sleep.
White County suffered “very extensive damage” Rogers said. Spending part of his day on Story Mountain, Rogers said it looked like a bomb had gone off in the area. He said the power facilities in that area will all have to be rebuilt.
Caney Fork facilities in Dekalb County were also hit hard as were facilities in the Rock Island area of Warren County.
Rogers said poles were broken in many area. The first focus Sunday has been trying to repair main feeder lines before Caney Fork goes to work on individual homes.
UCEMC crews as well Sequatchie Valley Electric teams arrived early Sunday to assist. Rogers said Smithville Electric teams assisted in Dekalb County. All hands on deck will be the case again Monday, Rogers said, with more teams from other neighboring utilities.
