Southwestern crews are responding to storm-related outages at several locations in the co-op’s service area this morning. Members are cautioned to avoid all downed and low-hanging power lines, as they may be energized or become energized at any time.

Members should also avoid driving through flood water. Obey barriers put in place by local emergency officials, and never drive through flooded sections of road, even if the water appears to be shallow enough to cross. Water conceals potential hazards like shifted logs or rocks, dips in the road and washed out road beds.

Six inches of moving flood water can knock over an adult. Eighteen inches of moving water can carry away heavy vehicles. Once buoyant, a car can easily be pushed sideways by the current, trapping passengers inside and washing them downstream.