MARION – Williamson County Government updated the public on where the county is at following the winter storm that brought snow, freezing rain, sleet and ice to our area over the weekend.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and other emergency responders have been responding to hundreds of calls for assistance since the storm began. Those calls have started to slow down since the storm has now moved out of our area.
The Williamson County Highway Department says main roads in Williamson County seem to be doing well, but the backroads are still rough. Crews are doing their best to clear the roads for safe travel.
Regarding the power situation, Ameren says as of this morning, 22,000 customers remain with power in Jackson, Williamson, Saline and Gallatin counties. The company estimates that 80 percent of customers will be restored by 11 p.m. Tuesday and will be sending out direct communication to impacted customers to inform them of the estimated restoration window. Those who signed up for alerts will receive alert updates through their preferred channels. Everyone else will get a phone call.
Ice storms are challenging for crews as significant ice build-up combined with below freezing temperatures and high winds wreak havoc on power lines, transformers, and other equipment. Ameren has 800 resources dedicated to the restoration effort in our region. This includes line workers, tree trimmers, damage assessors and support personnel.
Other power companies in our area are also working hard to restore power and are updating their situation on their social media pages and websites.
Williamson County Emergency Management says they will be sending out alerts through the HyperReach mass notification system, social media and press releases to local media. regarding shelters, homeowners needing assistance with cleanup and other storm-related issues. Officials say getting services here to help those in need is in a ground stop due to the weather. They are working and doing all they can to get those services here.
Click here to hear the complete press conference from this morning.