NES prepares for strong storms in Middle Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) – The Nashville Electric Service reports it is preparing for the potential of widespread outages during Sunday’s storms across its service area.

NES said it’s monitoring the forecasts for Middle Tennessee and has crews prepared to respond to outages caused by the incoming storms.

“Predicted wind gusts as high as 75 mph can bring down vegetation, like trees or branches located near power lines,” NES said. “When vegetation gets entangled in NES electrical equipment, those power lines often snap and fall to the ground.”

NES said it has 380 lineworkers prepared to respond to any power outages caused by the incoming storms.

“Since January, crews have assessed and trimmed over 2,800 miles of additional lines to address overhanging and storm-damaged trees that pose risk of outages. Outages involving downed lines and broken poles take more time to restore,” NES said.

First Alert Weather Day: Severe storms Sunday night

The utility company is urging customers to report outages by texting “OUT” to 637797 (mobile phone must be tied to account), calling 615-234-0000, logging into My Account on www.NESPower.com or reporting it directly on the outage map at www.nespower.com/outages.

“Most importantly, if you see a downed power line, assume it’s live, stay away (at least 35 feet) and call 9-1-1 immediately,” NES said.

The utility company has shared the following tips for customers during severe weather:

• Charge all mobile devices well in advance of a potential outage.
• Have one or more backup portable batteries in case your mobile devices run out of charge.
• Access a reliable weather app or website to ensure you have the latest details for approaching weather.
• Prepare a home emergency kit that contains non-perishable food, bottled water, backup batteries for essential equipment and a flashlight.
• Construct an emergency preparedness plan with family members and know the safest place to be in your home if conditions become dangerous.

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