Why Do Outages Sometimes Happen After a Snowstorm?
The storm may be over, but its effects can linger. Learn why snow and ice can cause damage that leads to outages hours or days later.
- SALT used for snow removal mixes with water and drains into the manhole
- SALT WATER conducts electricity and when enough gets in a manhole, it can cover the electric cables
- HEAT can be generated if the salt gets through the insulation layer and makes contact with the wire
- GAS AND SMOKE are created as the insulation burns
- A SPARK from the wires, under certain conditions, can ignite the built-up gases
- AN EXPLOSION if enough gas ignites, it can lift a manhole cover and cause outages