(Courtesy photo)
By CATHERINE DONNELLY
Special to the PRESS
At approximately 8:49 p.m. on Monday, Port Isabel’s Police and Fire departments received a report of an American Electric Power (AEP) power cable down on South Tarnava Street between Railroad and Hickman Streets.
Both departments were dispatched to assess the scene and secure a safety perimeter until AEP could do the necessary repairs.
After contacting AEP, they were informed of the high winds causing power outages for 1,300 residents of Port Isabel. All necessary repairs were finished just over three and a half hours later.
“The distribution line blew out from a power surge, which caused a break in the line and transformers to blow, creating two small electrical fires as I understood the information from AEP,” stated John Sandoval, Fire Chief of Port Isabel. “Once they did their repairs, power was restored, and the situation was deemed safe again at about 12:30 a.m.”
Dangerous situations should be reported to 911 first so that they can secure the area and call the proper agencies. The public is warned not to go near or touch any downed power lines. It is not safe to drive over them, either. Always leave power lines and transformers up to emergency personnel and AEP.
For any future power outages, call AEP at (866) 223-8508.