Alabama Power Outage Leaves Thousands in the Dark Amid Severe Weather.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A widespread power outage has impacted tens of thousands of customers across central and northern Alabama, according to utility officials and emergency management authorities.
What happened: A severe thunderstorm system swept through the region, bringing high winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall. The resulting damage to electrical infrastructure caused an immediate disruption in service.
Who is affected: Alabama Power Company reported that over 45,000 customers lost electricity as of 9:00 PM local time, with the highest concentration of outages in Jefferson, Shelby, and Tuscaloosa counties. Residents in rural areas are also reporting service interruptions.
When did this occur: The power outage began at approximately 7:30 PM on Tuesday evening, following the initial onset of severe weather. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with an estimated timeline for full recovery expected by late Wednesday morning.
Where is this occurring: The affected areas span from the Birmingham metropolitan region southward to the Black Belt, with specific focus on communities located along the Interstate 65 and Interstate 20 corridors. Localized flooding is also reported in low-lying zones.
Why is this significant: This is the second major power outage event in the region this month, raising concerns about grid reliability amid a volatile weather pattern. Officials urge residents to avoid downed power lines and to report any hazardous conditions to 911 immediately. Alabama Power has deployed over 200 line crews and support personnel to restore service.