STORM PREPAREDNESS
BE SAFE BE READY BE PREPARED WITH ABG
Severe weather is a growing threat. Be prepared with a plan and the right supplies. ABG offers storm containment solutions to help utilities and communities weather the storms. From downed transformers to cleanup, ABG has you covered to help insure safe lifting, handling, containing, transporting, storing and recycling of oil-filled equipment. Having the right storm preparedness plan in place can significantly reduce the emotional and long term effects these unfortunate situations leave in their wake.
2024 Severe Weather Forecast
Tornadoes & Thunderstorms
The central and southern US, particularly the Southern Plains and Midwest, are anticipated to experience numerous severe thunderstorms, including potential tornado outbreaks. Regions such as Texas and Florida could see significant flooding due to intense tropical downpours (Daily Express US). Additionally, the upper Midwest is expected to face severe thunderstorms with large hail and damaging winds.
— Weather.gov
HURRICANES
The 2024 hurricane season is expected to be highly active, with forecasts predicting 20 to 25 named storms in the Atlantic Basin, including four to six direct impacts on the US. This increased activity is partly due to the lingering effects of La Niña, which tends to enhance hurricane activity by reducing wind shear over the Atlantic.
— Daily Express US, Weather.gov
ELECTRICAL STORMS
The summer outlook also indicates a high likelihood of frequent electrical storms across various parts of the country, particularly in areas experiencing high temperatures and increased humidity. These storms pose significant risks, including lightning strikes and power outages.
— Daily Express US
FEMA Storm Preparedness
Recommendations For Utility Companies
Infrastructure Resilience
Strengthening grid infrastructure involves reinforcing power lines, transformers, and other critical components to withstand high winds and flooding, ensuring the stability and reliability of the power supply during extreme weather conditions. Additionally, installing surge protection by implementing surge protectors on the grid prevents damage from lightning strikes, safeguarding electrical systems and minimizing the risk of power outages.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS
Developing comprehensive response plans involves creating detailed emergency response strategies to quickly address outages and infrastructure damage. This is complemented by regular training for emergency response teams, equipping them to handle various scenarios, including floods, tornadoes, and electrical storms.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
Pre-positioning equipment involves strategically placing repair crews and equipment in areas forecasted to be most affected by severe weather, ensuring a swift response to damage. This strategy is supported by stockpiling essential supplies such as poles, transformers, and wires, enabling rapid repairs and minimizing downtime during and after severe weather events.
CUSTOMER COMMUNICATION
Public awareness campaigns inform the public about potential risks and safety measures through various communication channels, ensuring that people are well-prepared for emergencies. Alongside these campaigns, providing real-time updates to customers on power outages, repair timelines, and safety precautions keeps the community informed and helps them take appropriate actions during critical situations.
TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION
Utilizing smart grid technologies enhances the ability to monitor and manage the grid more effectively during severe weather events. Coupled with investing in advanced weather forecasting tools, this approach allows for better prediction and preparation for severe weather impacts, ensuring a more resilient and responsive power infrastructure.
References
National Hurricane Center (NHC)
AccuWeather 2024 US Summer Forecast
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Summer Outlook
Fox Weather’s report on the 2024 summer weather outlook
Weather.gov’s Severe Weather Awareness information
