When thunderstorms roll in during a monsoon in the Valley, so does an abundance of wind, which can form microbursts.
What is a microburst?
According to the National Weather Service, a microburst, also known as a downburst, is a localized column of cold sinking air within a thunderstorm. When this cold air plummets to the ground, it disperses at high speed in all directions, often causing damage to nearby structures.
What damage can a microburst cause?
These high-speed winds, sometimes up to 90 miles per hour, can take down our power lines and poles, cause tree damage and even pick up loose objects and carry them far distances. The extent of damage directly correlates with how high the wind speed is.
Our field crews and meteorologists work together to anticipate the potential impact of a storm so we can proactively keep the community safe and keep the power on.
How can a microburst cause a power outage?
The powerful winds caused by a microburst are often strong enough to damage our aboveground power lines, which is why we install steel poles between every five wooden poles. This reduces the chance of one damaged pole starting a domino effect and pulling others down. By minimizing damage, it takes our crews less time to restore power to our customers.
If you see a downed power line, call 911 and stay at least 100 feet away from the area. Practice these safety measures to avoid downed power line hazards. During storm-related power outages, you can find details on the cause and an estimated restoration time on the outage map.
What can I do to minimize damage during a microburst?
One of the most effective ways to prevent an outage in your area is to keep your trees clear of all power lines. Windstorms can knock branches off trees and drag them into a nearby line, which is why most trees that are within 10 feet of a power line are considered an electrical safety hazard.
Another tip to minimize the impact on your home is to tie down loose items in your yard or bring them inside. We’ve seen items as big as trampolines get swept up in the wind, so be mindful of what you leave out ahead of a storm.