March 18, 2025

Local Heroes Hit the Road to Help Storm Recovery in South Mississippi

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News Summary

In the wake of devastating tornadoes in Mississippi, local utility crews, including the ECPA team from Lowndes County, have mobilized to restore power in Columbia. The storms, which occurred on March 15, left significant destruction and claimed six lives. With widespread power outages affecting over 29,000 customers, assistance from neighboring utilities is crucial for the recovery efforts. The community, resilient and hopeful, is coming together to rebuild after this tragedy.

Local Heroes Hit the Road to Help Storm Recovery in South Mississippi

Columbia, Mississippi is buzzing with activity as local utility crews are mobilizing to help restore power after a series of devastating tornadoes wreaked havoc across the state. The 4-County Electric Power Association (ECPA) from Lowndes County has sent a dedicated team of 12 linemen to assist the Pearl River Valley Electric Cooperative (PREVC) in Columbia, which is picking up the pieces after a whirlwind of destruction.

Stormy Saturday Left a Trail of Damage

Last Saturday, March 15, a fierce weather system unleashed multiple tornadoes that left an indelible mark across several counties in Mississippi. This natural disaster caused significant damage and, tragically, claimed six lives while injuring at least 32 individuals statewide. The hardest hit areas were Walthall County, Jefferson Davis County, and Covington County, where the destruction was particularly severe.

In the aftermath, PREVC found itself facing a daunting task as over 53,000 members of the community were affected by the destruction. Power outages were widespread, with more than 29,000 customers left in the dark by Saturday afternoon. As restoration began, it was clear that assistance would be vital in the recovery efforts.

Utility Cooperatives Come Together

The spirit of cooperation among utility companies shines bright in times of need. With crews dispatched from ECPA, the focus shifts to setting new poles and replacing those downed wires that have halted power for so many. Restoration efforts are expected to take a couple of days, but thanks to the quick action from neighboring utility teams, progress is being made.

The team set out on Sunday, ready to lend a helping hand with on-the-ground knowledge and expertise. The dedication to overcoming the challenges presented by severe weather conditions is something that cannot be underestimated. It’s all about bringing the lights back on for families and businesses that have been left in uncertainty.

Taking Steps Toward Recovery

As the dust settles from the storms, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is on high alert. They’ve reported extensive damage across at least 21 counties, including Grenada and Smith counties. The ongoing assessments of tornado touchdowns and damage estimates are in full swing, with local residents urged to report any damages and prioritize safety.

Governor Tate Reeves has declared a state of emergency in Mississippi, ensuring that resources will be allocated to aid in the recovery phase. Residents are reminded that cleanup efforts will take time, and caution is crucial as they embark on restoring their communities.

Weather Woes Across the Region

This severe weather system didn’t just impact Mississippi; it affected over 20 states, contributing to at least 34 fatalities across the central and southern United States. This level of destruction is a stark reminder of nature’s power, prompting the National Weather Service to issue high-risk tornado warnings in Mississippi and Alabama ahead of the storms.

As the ECPA crew gets ready to help restore power and normalcy to Columbia, the community remains hopeful and resilient. The path to recovery may be long, but with the strength and determination exhibited by utility crews and local residents, there’s a strong sense of solidarity as they all work toward rebuilding what was lost. Together, they are proving that even in the face of fierce storms, hope can be restored, one electric pole at a time.