LOOGOOTEE — Linemen with the Daviess-Martin County REMC spent much of yesterday battling the elements to restore electricity after a powerful storm system swept through Southern Indiana.
The early morning storms on Wednesday, March 11th, brought intense rainfall and damaging wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, leaving several cooperative members in the dark. While crews are accustomed to working in rough weather, this storm presented a unique challenge: widespread flooding along the already swollen East Fork White River.
The restoration effort became a collaborative community mission when floodwaters made some damaged equipment inaccessible by land. Daviess-Martin County REMC officials took to social media to express their gratitude for Martin County Sheriff Josh Greene, who personally assisted the utility by providing a boat.
Using the watercraft, linemen were able to navigate through flooded fields and backroads to reach isolated poles and transformers that were submerged or surrounded by water. This assistance was critical in Martin County, where the East Fork White River at Shoals reached a moderate flood stage of 27.6 feet—well above the 20-foot flood stage.
The power outages were part of a larger, more dangerous weather pattern that hit Indiana on Wednesday. A Tornado Watch was in effect for much of the morning as a line of rotating storms moved across the region. While Daviess and Martin counties were spared the worst of the structural damage seen in Northern Indiana, the saturated ground and high winds led to numerous trees falling onto power lines.
While power has been restored to the majority of members, utility and safety officials warn that the danger has not fully passed.
A Flood Warning remains in effect for the region until early next week. At Shoals, the river is expected to remain in moderate flood stage through Friday.
Many county roads remain impassable.
REMC commented they are incredibly proud of their linemen’s dedication, who worked safely and efficiently under difficult conditions, and are grateful for the teamwork from Sheriff Greene and the patience of its members.
Local authorities continue to urge residents to follow the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” protocol, as floodwaters can hide washed-out roads or energized downed lines.
