St. Louis, MO sits in a part of the country that experiences varying weather conditions throughout the changing seasons. Thunderstorms are common year-round but especially in the spring and summer. Snow and ice often make their way to the Gateway City in the winter, which can cause outages. Understanding how the weather elements affect your power lines is crucial to staying safe. It can also help you prep the property so that you experience fewer interruptions from storm damage.
What Is the Power Line Infrastructure Like in the St. Louis Metro Area?
Some portions of the St. Louis metro area have switched to subterranean service, while others continue to use older, overhead lines. The massive scale of the system makes modernization a sluggish process, but the area’s utilities are nevertheless investing in modifications. Wind, storms, and thick ice pose a greater threat to the many communities that still rely on above-ground lines.
Here are some of the main areas in the St. Louis metro area that still use overhead lines:
- Holly Hills
- Shaw
- Tower Grove South
- Fountain Park
Rain and Power Lines
Rain by itself doesn’t normally cause any problems with electrical lines. However, excess moisture over time can build up in the electrical poles, weakening their strength. When the wood becomes waterlogged, the poles might even bend or break, resulting in outages and dangerous downed lines. Persistent moisture also accelerates rust and corrosion on all exposed metal parts, like the bolts and connectors.
Wind and Power Lines
The strong winds that rip through St. Louis are a frequent cause of downed power lines. Areas sitting in open fields or flat terrain are particularly vulnerable because they lack natural windbreaks like hills or dense trees.
Gusts of up to 70 mph are common during severe thunderstorms and spring storms. Winds this strong can easily topple nearby trees onto power lines or even snap the poles. Mix in wind-driven debris, and the danger of widespread outages increases even more.
Ice and Power Lines
Ice can make the power lines look like crystal rods, but the buildup is extremely destructive to the cables. As freezing rain coats the wires, it can end up adding hundreds of pounds of weight. Most of the lines aren’t engineered to withstand that load. They will usually stretch or snap once the weight becomes too much.
The lines aren’t the only thing vulnerable to icy buildup. As the ice accumulates on the poles, they may buckle because of the excessive stress. When this happens, it can bring down entire sections of the grid. Ice-covered trees also present a hazard because the branches and limbs fall and break onto the lines, causing further damage.
Lightning and Power Lines
Whenever lightning strikes a power line, it can spark and explode. Steering clear of any downed lines or flashing equipment is vital to staying unharmed. Lightning strikes deliver millions of volts of electricity to the grid, damaging transformers, wires and nearby electronics.
Snow and Power Lines
Snow is much like ice in that it adds weight to power lines, potentially causing sagging and breakage. Wet snow is particularly hazardous because of its density and heaviness. Snowdrifts are just as problematic since they bury poles and block access. Trying to work on power lines with melting snow can lead to slips and electrocution because of the unstable footing and excess moisture.
Heat and Power Lines
Heatwaves that roll through the metro area are common. These extreme events bring temperatures upward of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, causing residents to run their cooling systems around the clock. All of the extra energy consumption puts added stress on power lines by increasing the electrical load. Some lines may even overheat and fail. The expansion from the heat also loosens tension, which sags the wires. This can lead to accidental contact with trees and other nearby objects.
Hail and Power Lines
Storms in the Midwest can bring huge hailstones that damage electrical equipment. Insulators, transformers and poles usually endure more damage than the wires themselves. Insulators made of ceramic or glass can even crack or shatter, making the line unsafe to use. Recurring hailstorms erode infrastructure and eventually cause failures even if the damage isn’t immediately apparent.
Fog and Power Lines
Fog contains tiny water droplets and impurities that allow electricity to arc more easily. The moisture can even collect on the insulators, leading to short circuits and line faults. In St. Louis rural areas, the fog tends to settle low to the ground, clinging to electrical lines and hardware for hours. In the metro area, it also creates visibility problems for repair crews.
Keeping Your Property Protected
Now that you understand how different weather elements affect power lines, it’s time to take action. Every effort you put toward maintenance and preparation can lead to major benefits in the future, especially during storms and unexpected outages.
Schedule Regular Electrical Inspections
Annual inspections are highly recommended to keep your system safe, efficient and up to code. One of our skilled electricians will find and fix any frayed wires, overloaded circuits or outdated panels. This means when a power line goes out, your home will have better protection against electrical fires and costly damage.
Trim Trees and Vegetation Near Power Lines
You want to keep all trees and bushes trimmed back far away from the power lines. Any branches hanging too close are more likely to break off and hurt the lines or nearby property. If you’re not comfortable doing the trimming yourself, hiring a landscaper is a great option. Some electric utilities also offer service for keeping vegetation clear of power lines.
Invest in Surge Protection Devices
You should view a whole-home surge protector as a necessity rather than a luxury. This setup connects straight to the electrical panel, providing coverage across every room. If lightning were to strike or the utility grid were to surge, the protector diverts excess voltage safely to ground before it reaches your home’s wiring. There’s no more having to deal with individual plug-in protectors at every outlet. You get the best type of protection with one device.
Consider a Backup Generator for Emergencies
When the power goes out for an extended period of time, you don’t have to go without electricity. Having a backup generator gives you all the support you need to keep the home functional. This can prove to be of the utmost benefit when you’re waiting on utility crews to fix downed power lines. There are many different types and sizes of generators to choose from. We’ll assess your power needs and budget to help you choose the right model for your property.
Potts Electric is the company to call when you need help prepping your electrical system for the changing seasons. From surge protector installation to panel upgrades, we have you covered. Call Potts Electric today to access premier electrical support in St. Louis.
