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Tag: Hurricane Hermine

SECO Energy Tracking Tropical Depression Nine

SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine as it slowly moves on a westerly track toward the Florida Peninsula. Tropical Depression Nine (TD9) is expected to strengthen to a hurricane this weekend. The storm would be renamed Hurricane Hermine and could impact Central Florida as a Category 2 hurricane early next week.

 

TD9 was formerly known as Invest 98L. Meteorologists have watched the storm as it became more organized this week. TD9 is moving west-northwest at 13 mph with maximum sustained wind speeds of 35 mph. The latest National Hurricane Center (NHC) forecast puts the storm in the Gulf of Mexico and moving across Central Florida early next week. TD9 is still far away from Florida, and models will continue to shift this weekend.

 

SECO Energy’s service territory could begin to feel the effects of Tropical Depression Nine as it strengthens into a Category 2 hurricane as early as Tuesday of next week. Category 2 hurricanes have maximum sustained wind speeds between 96 and 110 mph. If the storm arrives in SECO’s service area, members will experience widespread heavy rains and gusty winds. A soggy August and early September storms have left standing water in some areas. Additional rain and high winds can cause downed trees and power outages for members.

 

CEO Curtis Wynn assured members that SECO Energy is StormReady and ready to respond to power outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. Wynn stated, “SECO Energy is tracking Tropical Depression Nine and the possible weather effects that this system could bring to SECO’s service area. We are StormReady and prepared to respond to outages caused by tropical storms and hurricanes. I am asking members to prepare for the possibility that Tropical Depression Nine will strengthen and move toward our service territory. Now is the time to gather essential hurricane supplies. While we are nearing the end of Atlantic hurricane season and Tropical Depression Nine’s ultimate track remains uncertain, this reminds us to stay vigilant for late season storms.”

 

StormCenter is SECO Energy’s outage and communications platform for members to report outages, check the status of an existing outage and enroll in outage communications and alerts via email, text, voice or all three. Visit StormCenter today and bookmark on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly and easily.

 

Major weather events can cause extended power outages. SECO Energy reminds members to follow safety protocols when using a generator during a power outage. Generators emit deadly carbon monoxide (CO) that is odorless and colorless. Thousands of people die each year from CO poisoning. Never operate a generator in an enclosed space, including a garage. Always place the generator at least 15 to 20 feet away from your home and never near open windows.

 

Before operating a generator, thoroughly read and review the owner’s manual. Never plug a generator directly into an electrical outlet. This current flow is deadly for utility personnel. Keep children away from an operating generator and store fuel in approved containers. Do not smoke while fueling a generator. Always operate a generator in a dry space. If it is raining, use a canopy or cover. SECO Energy’s Hurricane Handbook includes generator safety tips and how to prepare for before, during and after a storm.

 

“Like” SECO Energy on Facebook and follow @SECOEnergy on Twitter for prize drawings, news releases, and severe weather alerts affecting SECO Energy’s service territory. Manage your outage notification preferences at StormCenter. To see when SECO Energy crews/contractors are working in your area, visit our new System Improvement map. To learn more about SECO Energy as a not-for-profit cooperative, visit SECOEnergy.com>Your Co-op>About.

 

SECO Prepared for 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season

The Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project predicts 11 named storms developing this year, with four storms affecting the Atlantic Basin. On the eve of 2017’s Atlantic Hurricane Season, SECO Energy is prepared for the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes affecting its service territory. As a foundation, the company’s system is expertly designed, solidly built and well maintained.

 

SECO’s motto during storm season is “Storm Ready.” SECO’s System Control Coordinator’s monitor the weather 24/7. Operations crews and support staff are on-call to leap into restoration action day or night. SECO’s local Call Centers and Member Service Centers are fully staffed to help members weather the storm.

 

SECO reminds members and their families to prepare for the upcoming storm season as well. Now is the time to assemble your emergency supplies – don’t wait until a storm threatens, supplies sell out quickly. Visit SECOEnergy.com to find a list of emergency essentials for hurricane and storm season. Bookmark SECO’s Storm Center application on your smartphone or tablet to report outages quickly using your last name and house number.

 

For the most up-to-date storm and restoration information available, “like” SECO Energy’s Facebook page and “follow” the cooperative on Twitter. SECO uses its social media channels to warn members of upcoming storms and to send updates about the restoration process after major events. If you haven’t been in touch with SECO in recent memory, log into your SmartHub account on SECOEnergy.com to update your contact information.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “Please prepare in advance for this year’s storm season. Don’t be caught off-guard, as once the storm is upon you it is too late. One storm or weather event can damage your home, leave your family without access to food, water and power. It can change your life forever. At SECO, we want our members to take the necessary precautions to wait out storms safely, while our Operations crews are restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”

 

Tropical Storm Colin and Hurricanes Hermine and Matthew, brought inches of rain, lightning and high winds to SECO’s area during 2016’s Atlantic Hurricane Season. Before each weather occurrence, SECO jumped into action requesting additional contract line crews and tree trimming crews. Utilizing SECO’s emergency plan, the SECO team is a well-oiled restoration machine, each SECO employee is “Storm Ready.”

 

Learn more about storm preparation and print an emergency checklist online. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” @SECOEnergy on Twitter for news releases and cooperative updates.

SECO Recovers Quickly from Hurricane Hermine Pounding

Late Thursday night and early Friday morning, Hurricane Hermine pounded SECO’s service territory with buckets of rain and high winds as it sped toward the Florida Panhandle.  In addition to the storms, WESH Channel 2 advised at least one tornado touched down in Sumter County near Webster. This event began a series of weather-related outages for SECO Energy members in the storm’s path.

 

At the height of the high winds and rainfall, approximately 7,500 members were without power.  As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the outages were reduced to under 3,000 members out. As of 7 p.m. on Friday,  SECO has less than 100 members without power.
SECO Energy, SECO Territory Pounded by Hurricane Hermine
Hurricane Hermine brought damage across the state, including broken trees and utility poles, flooding, roadway debris and at least one death in Marion County. Earlier today, NBC News reported that more than 250,000 consumers across the state are without power. Fortunately, most SECO Energy members weren’t affected with power outages due to an expertly designed, soundly built and well maintained system whose reliability is enhanced by an aggressive vegetation management program.

 

Vice President of Corporate Communications & Energy Services Kathryn Gloria stated, “SECO continually maintains, inspects and upgrades its system to provide the most reliable power possible to our members.  SECO is Storm Ready – it prepared well in advance for the possibility of Hurricane Hermine and its impact on our service area.  SECO continued to update members this week about Hurricane Hermine’s projected path and status and warned members to be prepared for outages if the storm made landfall near our area.”

SECO Energy, SECO Territory Pounded by Hurricane Hermine, power line pole being replace after major damage.

 

Part of SECO’s strategy included pairing a tree trimming crew with a line crew during restoration. As of 7 p.m. on Friday, there were less than 100 SECO members whose service has yet to be restored.  SECO is continuing its emergency restoration plan until every member on the system is restored. SECO predicts the remainder of members’ service will be restored before midnight Friday – unless additional storms on the tail of Hurricane Hermine come into play.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter for the latest news releases and cooperative updates.

Hermine Upgraded to Hurricane

On Thursday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center upgraded Tropical Storm Hermine to a Category 1 hurricane. Maximum sustained winds have increased to 75 mph. Currently, the hurricane is 115 miles south-southwest of Apalachicola and is moving north-northeast at 14 mph. Locally, tornado warnings have been issued for several counties in SECO’s service area.

 

SECO Energy is Storm Ready and is braced for Hermine’s impact on its service area. Members should expect 4-8 inches of rain during the event with isolated higher totals. Strong winds will occur on Friday and will have more of an impact on SECO’s service territory than before Hermine makes landfall. Tornadoes remain a concern until Hermine passes away from the state on Friday.

 

SECO has enacted its emergency restoration plan in preparation for Hurricane Hermine’s effects. Bucket trucks and line work cannot withstand winds in excess of 35 mph. Once winds subside, SECO’s Operations crews and additional contractor and tree trimming crews will work together to restore power quickly and safely. Additional reinforcements are on standby.

 

The company’s emergency restoration plan determines the system’s restoration priority of each affected feeder. Essential services such as shelters, hospitals, fire/law enforcement facilities, schools, and government agencies are the highest priority. Line repairs that will restore power to large groups of members are next, and then individual electric services in less populated areas. SECO urges members to continue tracking Hurricane Hermine and prepare to wait out the storm as it passes through Central Florida.

 

Use these practical suggestions:

  • If using a landline, have a non-electric phone for emergencies.
  • Invest in and charge a battery-operated cell phone charger.
  • Buy a battery-powered radio and a supply of fresh batteries.
  • Keep flashlights and extra batteries handy.
  • Dig out your first aid kit and refill prescription medications.
  • Stock a three-day supply of bottled water.
  • Fill bathtubs with water to flush toilets.
  • Purchase canned or packaged nonperishable food.
  • Buy an old-fashioned crank can opener.
  • Review your homeowners and flood insurance policies.

 

If neighbors have power but you do not, check your panel for tripped breakers, as this is common. If the breakers aren’t tripped, report the outage using your smartphone or tablet through the SECO Storm Center – or call us.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being its members’ first source for storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” the company on Twitter to stay updated.

SECO Monitoring Atlantic Storms

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most active period in the Atlantic Hurricane season begins in mid-August and ends in mid-October. SECO Energy continues to monitor tropical depression Invest 99 and the possibility it could make landfall in Florida early next week.

 

As of late Thursday afternoon, tropical wave Invest 99 is an unorganized, broad area of low pressure moving westward at 15 to 20 mph through the southeastern Bahamas. Winds associated with the system have decreased to below tropical storm strength.

 

Spaghetti models are predicting possible landfall in southern Florida or continue into the southeastern Gulf of Mexico. If conditions are favorable, the depression could strengthen and become Hurricane Hermine as early as Friday. At that point, the storm could pick up steam and make landfall again somewhere on Florida’s west coast. This system could bring heavy rain and winds to SECO’s service area early next week.

 

Even though it is too early to predict when and how Central Florida will be affected, SECO is urging members to make preparations in advance. SECO has provided an emergency checklist for members on our website.

 

Kathryn Gloria, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Energy Services stated, “It has been 11 years since Hurricane Wilma made landfall in Florida, and members may feel confident that Florida will continue to be lucky and larger storms will pass us by. Emergency supplies sell out quickly when storm watches and warnings go into effect, gather your supplies beforehand. I urge all SECO members to prepare for the possibility of increased storm activity during this peak time.”

 

SECO Stands Storm Ready

 

SECO is Storm Ready. Our locally-based customer service staff is ready and available to respond to member inquiries in person, by phone or online. SECO’s System Operations directs the SECO cavalry 24 hours a day, seven days a week – each truck is equipped to respond to member concerns or service interruptions in the field quickly and safely.

 

As a not-for-profit electric cooperative, SECO is dedicated to being our members’ first source for accurate storm information. “Like” SECO’s Facebook page and “follow” us on Twitter to stay updated about storms affecting our area.

 

For members who rely on back-up generators during storm season, remember to read and follow all manufacturer’s safety warnings. Visit our website to learn more about generator safety.