Storm knocks out power for most residents of Bullhead City

BULLHEAD CITY, Ariz. (AP) — About 2,000 households in Bullhead City were still without electricity Tuesday after a weekend wind storm toppled about 50 power poles.

City officials said the Fox Creek neighborhood, the area around Montana Wash Road and Laredo Village were expected to have power restored by Tuesday afternoon.

They said some streets within the Palo Verde Meadows neighborhood and some streets north of Ramar Road were still without electricity.

Sunday night’s storm that packed wind gusts of 60 mph (97 kph) resulted in a blackout for most of the northwest Arizona city’s 40,000 residents.

Mohave Electric Cooperative said the pole damage left about 36,000 customers in the dark.

City officials said the cooling center at Sunrise Elementary School is still open and providing air conditioning, power charging and food for people and pets who need shelter from the triple-digit heat.

VIEW: Mohave Electric Outage Map

Shelters have been opened at Sunrise Elementary School and Mohave Valley Fire Station #81 for city residents trying to stay cool in near triple-digit heat.

The city is asking for residents to conserve water city-wide until power is fully restored.

"Bullhead City is responding to reports of a water outage in various neighborhoods in the city. The water service outage is related to the power outage that began last evening around 5:30 p.m. The City is asking individuals city-wide to conserve water until power is fully restored throughout the city," said Bullhead City spokesperson Mackenzie Covert.

The Bullhead City School District canceled classes for Tuesday, Sept. 6 because of storm damage.

"While initial campus damage reports are primarily things such as downed trees and torn awnings, most cafeteria refrigerators and freezers were without power for extended periods of time," a portion of the news release read. "Full damage assessments of all six campuses and other District buildings will continue Tuesday after all power is restored and all interior areas are visible."

Classes should resume on Wednesday, Sept. 8.

"BCSD will announce a makeup day for students and staff. It is expected to be on a future Friday. No date has been selected, but as much advance notice as possible will be provided," the release read.

Crews were scrambling on Sept. 5 to repair 50 power poles toppled by a wind storm in Bullhead City, resulting in a blackout for most of its 40,000 residents. (FOX5 KVVU)

Crews were scrambling on Sept. 5 to repair 50 power poles toppled by a wind storm in Bullhead City, resulting in a blackout for most of its 40,000 residents. (Jay Barrymore)

Preparing for a severe thunderstorm

The American Red Cross' tips for preparing for a severe thunderstorm:

Put together an emergency kit.
Know your community’s evacuation plan.
Create a household disaster plan and practice it.
Purchase a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
Discuss thunderstorm safety with members of your household. Be aware that a thunderstorm could produce flooding.
Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be a place where there are no windows, skylights, or glass doors, which could be broken by strong winds or hail and cause damage or injury.

Be prepared and stay safe during the monsoon

"Most Valley residents know how quickly and furiously storms can move in and out, bringing strong winds, dust, rain, and flash flooding. These storms can cause interruptions in services, such as water, power, and gas," stated Captain Ashley Losch of the Glendale Fire Department.

GFD reminds residents of ways they can be prepared and stay safe:

Have flashlights with extra batteries on hand.
Have food that can be prepared without the need for cooking or refrigeration.
Have at least one gallon of clean water for each person in the household.
Have backup power for anyone requiring power for a medical device.
Have backup power for cell phones that do not require charging.
Have a first aid kit ready and accessible.
Never drive into areas with flowing water; it takes less than 10 inches to wash a car away.
Avoid flooded areas, such as washes.
If waters are rising, seek higher ground.
Do not approach downed power lines, the ground can be energized for up to 200 feet.
Keep pets indoors during storms.