Alabama tornado: Thousands without power as crews work overnight

Brad Harper, Montgomery Advertiser
·1 min read

Utility workers spent the overnight hours in Selma and across Alabama trying to restore power to thousands as reinforcements began to arrive.

About 17,600 Alabama Power customers in the path of yesterday's storms were still without service at 7 a.m. Friday, the company said. That included:

  • 7,100 in Dallas County, mainly Selma and Orrville

  • 7,100 in Tallapoosa County, mainly around Lake Martin and in the Alexander City and Dadeville areas

  • 2,900 in Elmore County, mainly Holtville, Elmore and those northeast to Lake Martin

  • 200 in Wilcox County, mainly Catherine

Massive damage from the Tornado in Selma Alabama on Jan. 12, 2023. Cars and homes destroyed, buildings on fire.
Massive damage from the Tornado in Selma Alabama on Jan. 12, 2023. Cars and homes destroyed, buildings on fire.

The company said more crews arrived overnight and will continue to do so throughout the day. By the end of the day, they expect to have service restored for customers in most areas with the exception of homes and businesses that are too damaged to accept service. But a company spokesman noted that restoration could take longer in some of the hardest-hit areas.

"Alabama Power is working as quickly and safely as possible to restore service to all customers, however, power restoration may take longer than today in the hardest hit areas of Dallas and Tallapoosa Counties," Alabama Power's Mike Jordan said.

In the meantime, Alabama Power cautioned people to stay away from downed lines and steer clear of fallen trees or limbs where lines may be hidden. Anyone who spots a downed line can call 1-800-888-2726.

Brad Harper covers business and local government for the Montgomery Advertiser. Contact him at bharper1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: Alabama tornado: Thousands without power as crews work overnight