TUPELO, Miss.–After massive damage from several tornadoes in the state, power crews were working Tuesday morning to try and get the lights back on. Enetrgy reported there had been about 43,000 customers without power at peak, but that was down to about 12,00o Tuesday, just before 7.
Atmos Energy was reporting the possibility of gas leaks in areas damaged by the tornadoes.
This is a press release the company sent out:
Atmos Energy is asking emergency crews, customers and volunteers involved in tornado cleanup efforts in Mississippi to please beware of potential natural gas leaks caused by the storms destructive path.
“We are still trying to assess all the damage received from last night’s tornadoes across the state of Mississippi,” said David Gates, president, Atmos Energy Mississippi division. “There are hidden dangers in tornado cleanup such as buried gas lines. That’s why we urge residents to call our emergency line at 1-866-322-8667 or call 811 before they try and move piles of debris.”Atmos Energy continues to respond to damage reports from last night’s storms. The natural gas provider dispatched several additional crews to the affected areas including Tupelo, Louisville, New Hope and the Jackson Metro Area.
“The most damaging reports we’ve experienced were in Louisville where we had to shut off gas service to the Winston Medical Hospital and the clinic,” said Gates. “Atmos Energy was also forced to shut-off natural gas service to approximately 300 homes throughout Louisville for safety reasons.”
In addition to the damage in Louisville, Atmos Energy crews responded to more than 50 gas leaks in Tupelo and 10 in New Hope. All customer issues have been resolved in Rankin County and Noxapater.
Safety/Emergency Service: Atmos Energy provides 24-hour emergency service every day. If customers smell a natural gas odor inside a house or building, they should leave the premises immediately and call Atmos Energy’s 24-hour emergency service from a neighbor’s house, toll-free, at 1-866-322-8667.
