Wintry weather leaves thousands in St. Charles County without power
December 9, 2007
Because of rain and freezing temperatures this weekend, ice on branches and power lines caused more than 3,200 St. Charles County residents to be without power.
Cities reporting power losses are: O’Fallon, Wentzville, St. Peters, Lake Saint Louis, Orchard Farm, Augusta, Defiance, Foristell, New Melle and St. Charles.
According to Ameren, ice on power lines causes them to droop and break. Also, tree branches may sag and come into contact with power lines.
Remember:
Do not touch power lines.
Ameren says to consider all cables energized, whether they are electrical, cable, television or telephone.
If a line is in water, there is even more reason to be cautious. You should consider it and the water energized.
Stay away from fallen lines. Don’t walk in water and don’t go outside in the dark, because you will not be able to see power lines.
Keep in touch.
The Ameren website continually updates its power outage map. This allows people to check on loved ones and offer warm spots in their homes when possible.
Stay informed.
There is an ice storm warning in effect for St. Charles County until noon on Monday, December 10. However, a winter storm watch remains in effect through Tuesday afternoon.
Copyright 2007 Neighbors About Town
These power lines in Wentzville were covered with heavy ice early Sunday afternoon.
