New Putnam Co. Outage Causes Setbacks In Restoration Efforts

A set back in power restorations occurred in Putnam County Wednesday with a new outage reported near Bunker Hill Road.

Mayor Randy Porter said the number of outages remain about the same with some 6,000 customers without power.

“Today, they had a new area down on Bunker Hill Road along Lovelady Road southbound down Ditty Road and Burgess School Road that is out,” Porter said. “They have crews down there working on that also.”

A three phase power line issue continues for areas around Highway 111 to Algood. Porter said Quinland Lake Road and Bear Creek Road are suffering from this.

“There is a three phase problem at Fisk Road with a station they are working on,” Porter said. “It controls that whole area, and they are working to bring that area back up.”

Many outages were restored in the Hilham Road area Wednesday, but Porter said Paran Road to Duncan’s Chapel Road is still without electricity.

Porter said Highway 70 from Baxter to the Smith County line has many outages with downed trees being the problem. With another incoming storm for Wednesday night, Porter said all residents should be prepared for more outages.

“We don’t know if we are going to get more freezing rain, sleet, just rain or snow,” Porter said. “We are right on the line, and it can go in either direction. So yes, everyone needs to be prepared.”

Porter said three phase power lines are back up in Brotherton and Buck Mountains. Work is moving towards the side streets of that area. Outages are also being reported down Gainesboro Grade, especially for side streets around Shipley Road. Dodson Branch Road also has three phase power lines back up with work ongoing on side streets.

Electric crews are continuing work across the county. Porter said the worse hit areas could go days without power.