SE Illinois News

More than 26,100 households in 15 counties of southern Illinois are facing power outages due to Winter Storm Blair. State Senator Dale Fowler and State Representatives Patrick Windhorst and Paul Jacobs have been receiving updates from local and state agencies on the situation.

"This winter storm is causing problems on many fronts across southern Illinois, and we are working closely with State Emergency Agencies, Ameren, and the Governor’s Office to make sure that our counties have access to the information and the resources they need to protect our residents," said Fowler. He acknowledged the swift response by local, business, and state leaders.

The power outage report as of Monday morning lists Gallatin County with 1,931 outages, Saline County with 7,395, Williamson County with 8,275 among others. The Illinois Commerce Commission is collaborating with Ameren Illinois and local electric cooperatives to manage restoration efforts. Crews are working on repairs caused by ice and wind damage using mobile substations and pre-stocked storm trailers.

"I have talked with Ameren officials today and they are bringing in hundreds more linemen, and they will be establishing a staging site for their operations in Harrisburg," Fowler stated.

Rep. Windhorst expressed gratitude towards emergency management personnel: "I want to thank the hard-working men and women of local emergency management agencies as well as Illinois Emergency Management Agency officials for coordinating the response to the ice storm that is impacting so many families in southern Illinois."

Rep. Jacobs highlighted the challenges faced by linemen due to harsh conditions: "I know the linemen are out working hard, but they are encountering harsh conditions that have really deteriorated in the last 24 hours." He advised caution for those traveling on roadways during this time.