Weekend storms leaves mark on southwest Nebraska

This past weekend was filled with rain, wind, thunder, lightning and more rain. While many would say the moisture was welcomed, much of the damage the storm gifted the area was received with less enthusiasm.
    Southwest Public Power District (SWPPD) of Palisade had its hands full dealing with the damage that included poles, wires and transformers in its service territory beginning Sunday, May 27, night and continuing through Monday, May 28 night and early Tuesday, May 29 morning.
    There were 650 total meters reported due to the storms that started on Sunday night and continued through Tuesday morning. SWPPD reported that all together there were 20 broken poles in over seven different locations. One transformer was replaced due to a lightning strike, and there were numberous locations with trees in power lines.
    When a tree falls onto a line it can blow fuses because it forces conductors to come into contact with each other or with other power line equipment.
    The windy conditions were powerful enough to completely knock over poles. Eight poles were down east of Palisade and another eight were down north of SWPPD’s Pflum substation in northeastern Dundy County. Five broken poles in other areas were temporarily stubbed in order to restore power, and will eventually be replaced.

To read the full story, subscribe to the e-edition online or call the Breeze at 308-394-5389 to subscribe to the print edition