Winter Storm Diego Causes Power Outages
Diego Was The First Large Snowstorm Of The Season, Crippling Multiple States.
Diego was the first large snowstorm of the season. The storm caused power outages in multiple states.
The first major winter storm of the year was Diego. Diego began on Dec. 6 in Southern California with heavy rains and snow in higher elevations. The front moved through the Southern Rockies by Dec. 7.
Diego moved into the southeast states on Dec. 8 and stayed through Dec. 9. These states were the hardest hit of the seventeen states the storm traveled through. Snow, ice, and high winds were all within the weather front.
Mount Mitchel in western North Carolina received the most accumulation boasting 34 inches of snow. Many of the southeastern states visited by Diego received as much or more snow than annual totals.
Advanced radar and weather forecasting models needed information as Winter Storm Diego progressed. The National Weather Service supplies weather updates by:
- Watches - Two types of watches issued:
- Winter Storm Watch - Conditions favorable for a winter storm event that is a threat to life or property
- Blizzard Watch - Conditions favorable for a blizzard event. Low visibility and winds of 35 mph
- Advisories - Two types of advisories issued:
- Winter Weather Advisory - Issued for blowing snow, 3 to 5 inches of snow in 24-hours, freezing rain with sleet and snow and/or more than 1/2-in of sleet
- Freezing Rain Advisory - Greater than 14-in of ice
- Warnings - Three types of warnings issued:
- Winter Storm Warning - Heavy snow 6 to 12 inches in 12 hours or 8 inches in 24 hours, or 1/2-in of sleet or more.
- Ice Storm - Ice accumulation of 1/4-in of ice or more
- Blizzard Warning - Blizzard conditions for at 3 hours
Strong storms of this type often begin with rain turning to ice then to snow. The atmospheric conditions of the area determine the length of time it takes the front to make the transition. Everything in the path is coated with a layer of ice then snow.
Power lines and poles break with the weight and addition of wind. Power lines that route through wooded areas can be downed by trees and large limbs breaking under the weight. A whole host of other conditions can cripple the utility power grid for an area during winter storm fronts.
Loss of Power During a Winter Storm
Diego created many hazards. Travel was impaired or completely stopped and power lost for many utility customers. The Charlotte Business Journal reported that Duke Energy had more than 700,000 customers who lost power in the storm. Southside Electric Cooperative reported they restored power to 10,000 of its customers in central and southern Virginia.
Electricity providers attempted to restore power as quickly as possible. Most outages were short-lived and end within hours depending on the reason for the outage. Cold, snow and ice add an extra layer of complication to repairing power outages. Industry and homes in remote locations can have extended outage times because of accessibility and number of customers without power.
The weather conditions that caused utility power to fail also added difficulty to the repair process. Intense storms slow or stop the repair process. Once the front passes, repairs begin. When there are widespread outages across many states, one can assume power outages can last from hours to days in length.
Many small to medium size business only have emergency power that does not support the operation of the business. Often this includes the absence of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems.
When power is lost and an industrial plant is shut down, all employees are sent away and these employees arrive in a power-free home. In most cases, this includes no heat, hot water, and lighting. A building cools off quickly with no heat. A multiple day power loss can result in the resident leaving the property until powered is restored. The best defense against a utility power loss is to have back up power for the home or industry.
We have over 40 years of experience with generators and associated equipment. Go to Used Generators to see our current inventory. Contact Us with questions concerning upgrading an existing system or installing a new backup power system.
Story Summary
What was Winter Storm Diego?
Winter Storm Diego was the first major winter storm of the 2018 season, affecting 17 states across the southern U.S. from Dec. 6-9, 2018. It brought heavy snow, ice, and high winds, causing widespread power outages and travel disruptions.
How much snowfall did Diego produce?
Diego produced record-breaking snowfall in some areas. Mount Mitchell in western North Carolina received the most accumulation with 34 inches of snow. Many southeastern states impacted by Diego received as much or more snow than their typical annual totals.
How many people lost power during Winter Storm Diego?
The storm caused extensive power outages across multiple states:
- Over 700,000 Duke Energy customers lost power
- 10,000 Southside Electric Cooperative customers in Virginia lost power
- More than 200,000 customers total lost power in the Southeast
How long did power outages last?
Power outage durations varied, but many lasted from hours to days. Factors affecting restoration time included:
- Widespread nature of the outages across multiple states
- Difficult weather conditions slowing repair efforts
- Accessibility issues in remote locations
- Number of customers affected in each area
What caused the power outages?
The power outages were primarily caused by:
- Ice and snow accumulation on power lines and equipment
- High winds damaging power infrastructure
- Falling trees and large limbs taking down power lines
How do utility companies respond to winter storm outages?
Utility companies work to restore power as quickly as possible by:
- Mobilizing repair crews in advance of storms
- Prioritizing repairs to restore power to the most customers
- Working around the clock once weather conditions allow
- Bringing in additional crews from other regions if needed
How can people prepare for potential power outages during winter storms?
To prepare for winter storm power outages:
- Have emergency supplies on hand (flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, etc.)
- Consider purchasing a backup generator for your home or business
- Stay informed about approaching storms and utility company updates
- Have a plan for staying warm if heat is lost for an extended period
When did winter storms start having names?
The Weather Channel, a privately owned company, made the decision to start naming winter storms in 2012 for social media and communication efforts. Since then, some of these names have trickled into the mainstream media when a winter storm is particularly bad.
Diesel Blog Team
| 12/13/2018 1:38:43 PM
|
0 comments