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Why Hurricane Winds Knock Out Power
Power Outage During A Storm – Why Hurricane Winds Knock Out Power
Hurricane Categories and Sustained Wind Speed
Hurricane winds are truly a force of nature. We have all seen the pictures of the devastation after a hurricane finally dies. A nightmare storm can topple trees, flip cars, rip the roof off a house and cause widespread flooding. A hurricane’s strength is based on its sustained wind speed. You can see the five categories and their sustained wind speeds below:
- Category 1: 74-95 mph
- Category 2: 96-110 mph
- Category 3: 111-129 mph
- Category 4: 130-156 mph
- Category 5: 157 mph or higher
Don’t forget the speed of wind gusts. They could be higher than these figures, increasing the likelihood of damage to our cities. Why Hurricane Winds Knock Out Power?
The Electricity Journey from a Power Plant to Your House
Electricity is one of the first casualties when a hurricane hits a population center. It’s easy to see why when you understand how electricity makes it into your home.
- Electricity starts in a power plant and then goes to a transmission substation. The voltage has to be higher in order to travel long distances.
- Once at the transmission substation, the voltage is reduced in order for your house to receive it. The transmission lines lead to power stations, which lower the voltage. The electricity is then sent out into many different directions.
- This stage is where you see the wooden poles with the electrical lines, which could also be buried underground. Transformer drums further lower the voltage until it’s safe for the electricity to enter your house.
- The electricity then travels throughout your home.
It’s a complicated trip. No matter how advanced technology gets, nothing is foolproof. There are many places along the way that 150+ mph winds can do their worst and throw power grids out of whack. Unfortunately, the same problems occur in other parts of the United States because of ice storms, tornadoes, etc.
Power Outage, Protect Your Home and Family – Why Hurricane Winds Knock Out Power
Here at Electricity Express, we believe knowledge is power. Now you understand more about how electricity reaches your home. I myself appreciate how vulnerable our technology is when a hurricane comes. At the very least, have flashlights, batteries, candles and matches stored safely for use in case of an outage. Also, please take the threat of a hurricane seriously and evacuate when advised. Protect your homes from wind damage by boarding up windows and moving things into your house or garage. Cliches are cliches, but they are often true: better safe than sorry. Remember we are not responsible for blackouts, contact your TDU for more information about the power outage.
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