This puts everything in proper perspective:
This was expressed by Mel Coleman, CEO of North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, to those working to restore power (on the night of the 27th):
“In all of my years I have never seen anything that compares to the damage this storm has caused. From the beginning forecasts yesterday morning it seemed the worst could happen, but we tried to believe it wouldn’t happen. It did happen. I am sure your service areas look a lot like ours…I have yet to see a mature tree standing that was not severely damaged.
Just opening the door to the outside sounds like a war zone, with the continuous sounds of trees and limbs breaking…like gunshots over the next hill.
At this point we have no idea as to the extent the distribution system has been damaged, but it has to be bad…bad.
My closing thoughts for the night: I sincerely hope that each of you make it through this disaster stronger than when you went in.
This event will take everything we have…from our spirit to our never ending dedication to our members…to get us through this. It will take days and possibly weeks…but it will come together. Good luck, stay safe & hang in there.”
