North Arkansas Electric Cooperative does not expect widespread outages from snowfall in the forecast for Jan. 9-10 but remains prepared for the possibility.
“Unusually heavy, wet snow like our area experienced in January 2023 can lead to power outages, but that type of snow is a rare occurrence,” said James Woody, vice president of operations. “Unlike ice that weighs down lines and equipment, most snow accumulation has little effect on the distribution system.”
Information released Jan. 8 by the National Weather Service’s Little Rock office indicated snow accumulation of three to four inches is possible in most of NAEC’s service area beginning the afternoon of Jan. 9.
“We are in good shape as far as personnel, materials and equipment on hand,” Woody said. “Once we know that our service area is in the clear as far as potential outages, we might be sending help to our fellow co-ops in the southern part of the state that are expecting ice.”
As always, NAEC recommends members maintain an emergency kit stocked with food, water, prescriptions, flashlights, battery-powered radio and extra batteries. Those who rely on electricity-dependent medical devices need to have a plan in place in case they have an extended outage.
Members who experience an outage may report it at any time to the dispatch center by using the NAEC mobile app or calling (870) 895-3221. Restoration updates during widespread outages are shared at facebook.com/NorthARElectric and sent to local media.
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative serves approximately 39,000 active accounts in portions of eight counties. The cooperative’s headquarters is located in Salem, and full-service offices are located in Ash Flat and Mountain Home. For more information, visit naeci.com or call (870) 895-3221.
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Tori Moss | Marketing and Communications Director
North Arkansas Electric Cooperative Inc.
225 South Main St. | Salem, AR 72576
870-895-6210 | [email protected]
