(City of Medicine Hat/Facebook)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Power outage leaves 3,923 residences without power

Jan 31, 2022 | 5:29 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB– City crews were busy Monday, after over 3,900 homes and businesses were in the dark this morning due to a power outage

The City of Medicine Hat says a large portion of the outage was in the Saamis Heights, South Boundary, and Desert Blume area. That region saw 3,875 customers without power.

The outage also impacted 10 customers on Holsom Road, according to the city, and two customers on Hwy. 1 to Dunmore.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

6h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

Thirty- six customers along Broadway Avenue in Redcliff were also affected by the outage.

The city’s director of electric operations, Jeff Sanford says the outages were the result of galloping lines.

“Essentially, the weather change this morning created an ice build-up that acts almost like a sail on the power lines. That, coupled with the winds, push on the broader surface area and lifts the lines, creating a galloping or jumping motion.,” he said in a statement

Sanford noted that the galloping today resulted in some equipment failures. Repairs have since been made to the damaged equipment, according to the city.