3 p.m.
Southwestern Electric operations and engineering teams continue to work toward identifying the source of a fault affecting the cooperative's Pocahontas Substation this afternoon. About 1,100 members served by the sub have been without power since 10:55 a.m. As of 3 p.m., no estimated time of restoration was available.
Line crews have been in the field since 5:30 a.m., when strong storms moved through the area, breaking poles, uprooting trees and downing power lines. A second line of storms caused additional damage, hampering repair efforts.
Members who see downed or sagging power lines should stay clear of the area and contact Southwestern Electric Cooperative at (800) 637-8667. In addition, people clearing debris should look for sagging or fallen wires before they begin working and treat every powerline as if it’s energized.