Electricity restored to thousands in Peoria after storms knock down power lines

PEORIA, Ariz. - Most Peoria residents have finally had power restored to their homes two days after the latest monsoon storm took down multiple power lines in the city.

At the height of the storm on Thursday night, around 10,000 homes in Peoria had lost power. Many of them finally got the lights back on Saturday.

APS emailed some Peoria customers affected by the downed power lines, writing that the "power outage may last multiple days."

"Recent violent monsoon activity has caused significant damage to electrical equipment in your area. Our crews are working to clear out the damaged equipment, dig fresh holes, set new poles, and restring wire," APS officials wrote in the email.

Wires and power poles lined Cactus Road between 83rd to 91st Avenue Saturday afternoon while crews worked to replace the destroyed lines.

Peoria residents say this was one of the most intense storms they have seen this year.

"The lines are still down," said resident Johnny Lash. "They took the telephone poles out between yesterday and last night. Now they've got the new poles over there."

People are still cleaning up the damage and replenishing groceries that went bad over the last wo days.

"I threw most of the stuff away," said resident Josefina DeLeon. "I didn't want to take a chance."

After almost 48 hours without A/C, just about everyone has their power back on.

"Originally they were saying it would be on by…midnight, that first night," said resident Wade Kaczmarek. "Then it came on saying it would be on at 7 in the morning, then I looked again, it just kept changing until it finally came on."

Schools canceled due to power outage

School has been canceled on Aug. 19 for Cheyenne Elementary, Alta Loma, Peoria Elementary, Peoria High School and all the programs held on its campus. 

"The campus does not have air conditioning, lighting or safe access to the school parking lot or buildings," officials said. "We ask that parents please not send their children to school, even once power is restored."

APS outage map: https://outagemap.aps.com/outageviewer/

SRP outage map: https://myaccount.srpnet.com/power/myaccount/outages

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Rain/flood safety tips

The American Red Cross' tips for heavy rain situations and flood safety:

• Turn around don’t drown! If you must drive and you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and go another way.
• If you are caught on a flooded road and waters are rising rapidly around you, get out of the car quickly and move to higher ground.
• Tune in to your local radio, NOAA radio, or news channels for the latest updates.
• If your neighborhood is prone to flooding, be prepared to evacuate quickly.
• Follow evacuation orders and do not attempt to return until officials say it is safe.
• If power lines are down, do not step in puddles or standing water.
• If power is out, use a flashlight. Do not use any open flame as alternate lighting.

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.