PERRYVILLE — After spending several hours restoring power Thursday morning, Citizen Electric crews were called out again Thursday evening as a wave of severe weather with strong winds, large hail and possible tornadoes moved through the region.
The utility reported more than 800 members without power at 8:55 p.m. as strong wind and lightning moved through the territory. All available CEC workers were called on and contractors were standing by.
The storm first moved into Ste. Genevieve County and crews were patrolling to locate the cause of outages and began restoration as quickly and safely as possible. The high winds then moved into Perry County.
By 10 p.m. the team had made significant progress and then worked through the night to restore all remaining outages.
Crews that were onsite beginning around 7 p.m. Thursday evening worked through Friday morning wrapping up at 3 a.m.
Citizens Electrics Kelli Behrle said everyone’s patience was appreciated as the team worked through the night restoring outages as safely and quickly as possible.
She also said the utility’s robust tree trimming and right of way program prevented many more outages. The CEC appreciates the members’ cooperation as we continue keeping their rights of way maintained.
Meanwhile across the river in Randolph County there were many reports of trees down. There were also reports of large hail.
In Chester city emergency crews, the fire department, street department and Chester police were called out to deal with downed trees and power lines in several locations. One huge pine tree narrowly missed two residences on Riechman Street.
In Prairie du Rocher police, fire, and city workers turned out to deal with several downed trees and other damage.