May 1, 2025

Spring Storm Emma - Highest Number of Outages Since 2007 Ice Storm

Spring Storm Emma slammed into Ozark Electric's service area the morning of Tuesday, April 29, causing widespread damage and power outages across multiple counties. This storm included three confirmed tornadoes:

• EF-1 tornado that began at 9:00 a.m. near Highway 60 between Verona and Aurora and ended in southern Aurora just west of Highway 39. The tornado had a path length of 2.18 miles, a width of 100 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 90 mph.
• EF-1 tornado near Friestatt that began at 8:55 a.m. The tornado had a path length of 4.18 miles, a width of 100 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 90 miles per hour.
• EF-0 tornado near Marionville that began at 9:09 a.m. near the Lawrence County and Stone County line along County Rd. 2210. The tornado had a path length of 3.06 miles, a width of 50 yards, and maximum wind speeds of 80 miles per hour.

Wind speeds at the Springfield-Branson Regional Airport were measured at 90 mph.

At our peak, nearly 10,000 members were out of power - the highest number of outages since the 2007 ice storm. Our team responded immediately to assess damage, contact tree contractors to begin clearing debris and rebuilding, and develop a strategy for restoration. Six crews (12 linemen) from White River Valley Electric Cooperative (Branson) arrived on Tuesday, and three crews (six linemen) from Laclede Electric Cooperative (Lebanon) arrived on Wednesday to assist our team in the restoration efforts.

This storm was unique. In the aftermath of most storms, damage is isolated to a small area, allowing OEC crews from all three offices to respond and restore power quickly. In this case, the damage was so widespread that crews were needed in multiple counties. In addition, the number of large three-phase poles that were damaged was higher than we typically see. Broken poles totaled 60+, including three-phase and single-phase. Broken poles can take 3.5 hours to replace on a good day - longer when faced with adverse weather conditions and trees/debris that must be cleared first.

As of Thursday, May 1 at 12:00 p.m., 50 hours after the storm passed through our area, 600 members remained without power and as of Friday, May 2, 37 members were without power.

We are incredibly grateful for all those that assisted during this time, and to our members for their patience, understanding, kind messages, and words of encouragement.

THANK YOU to those who assisted in restoration efforts:

• Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives (AMEC)
• KAMO Power
• White River Valley Electric Cooperative
• Laclede Electric Cooperative
• Kiowa Linebuilders
• Riggs Tree Service
• Vaught Tree Service

THANK YOU to these individuals, groups, local businesses, and families who supported us during this time:

• Ozark Electric Cooperative Members
• Hot Spot - Mt. Vernon (assisted with lunch for our crews)
• TA Travel Center - Mt. Vernon (brisket lunch for our crews)
• Keen Bean Coffee - Mt. Vernon (coffee and pastries for our crews)
• Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce & Whosoever MV (sack lunches for our crews)
• Dougherty Family (cookies and cards for our crews)
• Board President Steve Stone (breakfast for Cape Fair crew)
• The families of our linemen, many of whom delivered food, snacks, and drinks to crews out in the field while having damage to their own homes, outbuildings, and businesses.
• The families of our mutual aid linemen and contractors who left home to help our Cooperative.
• Ozark Electric inside employees who answered member phone calls, prepared meals, coordinated lodging, and so much more.