Dixie EPA working to restore power after overnight storms

(The following is a press release from Dixie Electric Power Association.)

A possible tornado caused outages across the northern portion of Dixie Electric’s system. The line of outages starts in the Soso area in Jones County and follows a line across to the Diamond Community in Wayne County.

After the initial storm, more than 5,700 members were without power. As of 7 a.m., 4,500 remained without power. Initial assessment of the damage includes broken power poles and trees on the power lines.

Here is a breakdown of outages by county: • Clarke - 45 • Jasper – 164 • Jones – 3577 • Perry – 1 • Wayne - 681 • Total – 4,474

Dixie Electric’s linemen have been joined by four crews from MDR Powerline Construction.

Dixie Electric asks the community not to stack debris piles on the power lines or electrical equipment, laying on the ground. If possible, the linemen may restring the power line and will clean up equipment as well.

Please remember the following safety tips as restoration is underway: 1. Stay away from downed power lines. 2. Maintain a six-foot distance from line crew personnel as they are working in the field. Social distancing continues to be important for the health and well-being of personnel. 3. Drive slowly and be cautious around utility work areas. Remember Mississippi has a “Move Over” law that applies to utility crews working on the side of a road.

If you need to report a power outage, please call (601) 425-2535 and press 1 or 888-465-9209, or use the SmartHub mobile app. For outage information, visit prepared.dixieepa.com for an up-to-date outage map.

Dixie Electric Power Association serves 39,000 accounts in a seven-county area in south Mississippi, including Jones, Wayne, Perry, Forrest, Covington, Clarke and Jasper counties.