1 month till everyone in New Orleans gets power back..?

[Josephine96]

from WWLTV.com

Homeland Security Chief Terry Ebbert estimates it may take a month to get power back to everyone in New Orleans.

[wxcrazytwo]

I doubt it...

[ConvergenceZone]

I doubt it will be that long as well. I'll have to check with my relatives that live down there once they get back in town.

[jlauderdal]

I doubt it...

it will if they have poles down.

[Canelaw99]

If poles are down, they'll usually put up temporary poles to get power restored. That's what they've done around here.

[Josephine96]

having it take that long actually would not surprise me.. This was some storm..

Lots of damage and destruction..

[ColdWaterConch]

We were without power in S. Miami for about 6 weeks after Andrew. Depends on the parts that were destroyed, how many are in stock, and how quickly they can get them to NO

[Anonymous]

Charley had us in the dark for almost 2 weeks.

[crazycajuncane]

Those closest to hospitals will get power back a lot quicker. Those in isolated areas may wait up to a month before they get power restored. I think 2-3 weeks. They'll be crews in from all over the south to air in the repair.

[HurriCat]

Our experiences from last year in Orlando: Lost power at 9pm (Charley), back on at about 4pm next day. I think it was out about nine hours during Frances (we were gone, but stupidly had left main power on). Lights blinked ONCE during Jeanne. Our little neighborhood had its' lines buried about a year or two before we bought the house. I think also that we are strategically located with area substation(s) and proximity to OIA.

About those heroes in the out of state power company trucks. Really, heroes! They were racking up the overtime to be sure, but why not? For the first few weeks after Charley, everyone would beep and cheer the truck convoys. I saw lots of folks yielding the right of way to them and even pulling off the road to let the trucks pass in a group. People were buying the guys meals at restaurants, with many doing it anonymously at the register as they left. COUGH... then, about time "most" power was back, things changed. Suddenly those big trucks and big, now stinky-looking guys were "in our way". Beep-beep! Move it! And the salutes and waves changed as well, into the more traditional "Florida Drivers' Salute" with the finger you can guess. OH WELL. Is it like house guests and fish, where both start to smell after a few days?

God bless 'em - you know they're heading for the storm area even as you read this. Stay safe, guys!

[aumoore]

I can tell you first hand that it can take weeks and months to completely restore power to all homes. After Ivan the local power company officials made a statement "it took Ivan 8 hours to take down what took us 80 years to build” They told us it would take up to two months to restore all power. The first to get power are the big major businesses like banks, manufacturing grocery stores and shopping centers. If you lived near one of these areas you might be lucky and get it back but if you are just a small community or street they might put you on the list and get to you when they can.

They have to do a priority list and get businesses back on line or there will not be anyone making money to pay for power.

There were homes in rural areas that took 6-8 weeks to get power and believe it or not homes in Pensacola took that long as well. In some places they had to rebuild substations and that does not happen overnight.

If they get everyone back online in 30 days it will be a miracle

[K4Gators]

My mom went 10 days after Charlie, and a week after Jeanne and we are in the CENTER of Florida.

[inotherwords]

In Houston after Alicia it took about 3 weeks in the "older" sections of town. Granted that was 1983 but not much has changed since then with regard to electricity.

[jdray]

Frances left parts of Northeast Florida without power for 2 weeks.


The biggest thing with power being down due to a hurricane is supplies & manpower. Power is out ALL OVER the place. Crews are going to be in only so many areas at a time plus the need to get supplies to them as well.

Its not going to be a simple place new poles and lines and move on environment.

[Foladar]

If poles are down, they'll usually put up temporary poles to get power restored. That's what they've done around here.

Good to see your still here, how was your area?

[nequad]

I know people who were without power for 4 weeks after Isabel. I also know people who had power turned back on just hours after Isabel. Some will get power turned on quicker than others...obviously. I'm sure some people will be without power for several weeks, and others will be lucky and have it back by tomorrow perhaps.

[NFLnut]

Kissimmee Florida was without power for almost seven weeks after Charley. Several other areas in central Florida were without power for several weeks as well. This from a cat 4 storm that started its Florida trek 200 miles to the south. I won't even mention how long it took to restore power in all areas of Punta Gorda.

A "month?" With the strength of Katrina, I wouldn't be surprised if some areas were without power for MORE than a month! You are talking about power grids that are twisted like three pounds of cooked spaghetti and shredded to boot. Power poles will almost all have to be reset or more likely, replaced. There will no doubt be many, if not most, areas that will require a complete rebuild!

[Josephine96]

Living in Kissimmee, I lost power after Charley for 11 days..

[NFLnut]

And other parts of Kissimmee were restored after seven weeks. I know. I own property there!

[Josephine96]

NFL.. The area of town I live in right now {not the same as during Charley} was probably 1 of those longer without areas..

I am over near the Osceola Square Mall.. where parts of Hoagland Blvd lost power for at least 3 weeks.. maybe longer..