City Sees Minimal Power Outages from Winter Storm Uri

Alexandria, La. (February 15, 2021) — Winter Storm Uri moved through Alexandria Sunday night and Monday morning bringing heavy amounts of sleet and some snow, but the area was spared from heavy amounts of freezing rain. As a result, roads were covered with ice but impacts to the city electrical system were minimal.

“We were very fortunate that we were spared significant power outages,” said Alexandria Mayor Jeff Hall. “We did have a handful of outages from blown fuses and minor issues, but nothing significant and we were able to make repairs quickly.”

Utility System Director Michael Marcotte said crews remain on standby to deal with any additional outages as the cold weather is expected to last for several days. “From an electricity standpoint, our biggest concern is not overloading circuits,” Marcotte said. With the extreme cold temperatures, many residents have their heating systems set to high temperatures and many are also using electric space heaters. “We are asking residents who have total electric homes to set their thermostats at 68 and avoid running other major appliances, like dishwashers and washers and dryers, this evening to avoid overloading circuits.”

Streets throughout the city were coated with ice from the storm. With temperatures remaining below freezing through the day, ice has not melted and roads are extremely hazardous. APD asks drivers to stay off roads until conditions improve. The elevated portion of I-49 through the city is closed from exit 80 to exit 94. The Gillis Long Bridge on Jackson Street also is closed. The Purple Heart Bridge Pineville Expressway as well as the Curtis-Coleman Bridge by Buhlow Lake each have a lane open but police are asking that those lanes be kept clear for first responders and emergency use. Police reported numerous cars in ditches from attempts to travel Monday.

With temperatures expected to drop to 10 degrees or less, a hard freeze is expected Monday night. Residents should continue to protect water pipes from freezing. If pipes do freeze, the impact most likely won’t be seen until temperatures warm up. “If a pipe freezes tonight and cracks, the homeowner won’t see water leaking until things thaw out,” Marcotte said. “We encourage residents to know where their water cutoff valve is in the event they do have a cracked pipe and they need to quickly shut water off to their home.”

With the extremely cold temperatures, Alexandria Fire Chief Larry King reminds residents to use care with space heaters or when building a fire in the fireplace. Space heaters should be placed a safe distance from curtains and other flammable materials, and fireplaces should be monitored. He also notes emergency responses could be delayed due to icy road conditions.

All city offices will be closed Tuesday. ATRANS bus service as well as residential garbage pickup will be closed Tuesday. Household trash pickup is expected to resume Thursday.

Customers are reminded that when storms occur resulting in power outages they may report the outage online through the AlexConnects app. Downed wires, poles, and other equipment should be reported to the Electric Distribution Department at (318) 473-1301. Residents are reminded to avoid downed lines as they may still be energized.

Contact:
Jim Smilie
Communications
318.449.5038 (Office)
318.730.1683 (Cell)
jim.smilie@cityofalex.com