High winds causing power outages for area customers
Local electricity providers are reporting many outages caused by today’s high winds.
As of noon. Bartholomew County REMC was reporting 108 customers without power.
Bartholomew County REMC power outage map
Duke Energy is reporting more than 4,000 customers without power in our area, with more than 3,000 out in the North Vernon area alone. There are about 400 out in the Edinburgh area, 489 without power in the Seymour area, 181 out near Nashville, and 142 out in Columbus.
Chip Orben with Duke Energy says that statewide, there are more than 17,000 customers without power.
“As with all outages, we need to first assess the damage before we can make repairs,” Orben said. “Customers without power should call 1-800-343-3525.”
Orben also urged people not to touch downed power lines and to leave the work of moving the lines to trained professionals.
Estimates for repairs in some areas indicate outages past midnight tonight. And Orben said that the wind appears to be picking up.
The National Weather Service in Indianapolis has issued a high wind advisory until 9 p.m. tonight. The area is seeing sustained southwest winds of 20 to 30 mph with possible gusts up to 55 mph. The worst of the winds should be done by about 2 p.m. this afternoon according to the weather service.