As predicted, very strong winds across our service area resulted in widespread outages, beginning around 4:oo a.m. this morning. Currently, 3676 members are without power, primarily in Cherokee, Gilmer and Lumpkin counties.
The outages are widespread, but the highest number of members out are in the Lake Arrowhead area of Cherokee County, the Ranger Camp/Hidden Lake Road/Black Falls Road of Lumpkin County and in the Cohutta Forest Road/Chatsworth Hwy area of Gilmer County.
Crews have already found at least 5 broken poles and are in the process of replacing those; 3 in Lake Arrowhead, 1 in Gilmer County and 1 in Lumpkin County.
Our area remains under a wind advisory through 7:00 p.m. this evening, so more power outages are likely. Please remember the following important safety information: Never go near a downed power line, always assume they are still energized. Report downed lines to 911, then to our outage management system by calling 706-253-0359 OR 706-276-0359 OR 706-864-0359.