February 11, 2021

Winter Storm

4 p.m. Winter Storm Update #5: Ice cleats and salt have helped Team SEMO navigate dangerous areas today. We continue to watch galloping power and fiber lines. Be safe.

1 p.m. Winter Storm Update #4: It's cold and windy as Team SEMO tries to keep the lights on and the fiber flowing. We need to pray for the sun to shine for a few hours to melt ice off of power lines and fiber lines to reduce galloping.

SEMO Electric's linemen are busy this morning with galloping power lines. This occurs when strong winds blow across ice-coated power lines, causing them to swing violently. Galloping conductors can damage power lines, insulators, and utility infrastructure, resulting in electric service outages. This also may cause flickers and/or frequent power disruptions in your home or business.

8 a.m. Winter Storm Update #3: Galloping power lines are an issue at this time. Galloping will cause flickers. What causes galloping power lines? High winds and freezing rain cause power lines to gallop. Galloping occurs when freezing rain creates icicles and odd-shaped ice on lines. High winds push on the icicles and lift lines up, creating a galloping, or jumping, motion. See Galloping Lines: Galloping Power Lines Southeast Missouri YouTube Video