Six power poles blow down north of Seneca
This power pole leans precariously in high wind Thursday. (Photos by Dennis Pelock)
Along with high wind, thick ice on the wires and poles was a major factor in each pole’s demise. “The ice on the lines was as big as softballs,” said Highway Commissioner Dennis Pelock.
By Ted Pennekamp
Six power poles blew down north of Seneca along Highway 27 on April 11 and caused power outages in the area. There was wind gusting up to approximately 40 miles per hour, plus the wires were covered in ice.
“The ice on the lines was as big as softballs,” said Highway Commissioner Dennis Pelock, who noted that the poles went down in front of the Sheriff’s Department Radio Tower around noon. Later, more poles went down near Zabel’s Equipment.
Pelock said power went out in the villages of Seneca and Eastman and the surrounding area. Power went out at the Highway Department building near Seneca, but the generator was activated and power restored.
Alliant Energy put all of the poles back up and power was restored.
“The workers for Alliant Energy did an outstanding job,” said Pelock, who noted that the poles came from Janesville.
