Austin microburst: 1,313 service requests for storm debris collection since Wednesday
AUSTIN (KXAN) — After a microburst ripped through parts of Austin last week, Austin Energy said it has restored power to everyone who experienced a storm-related outage as of Monday.
“Hats off to AE (Austin Energy), hats off to all the workers who have been working around the clock to get the power back on,” Austin City Council Member Zo Qadri said at an Austin Energy information session over the weekend.
Austin 3-1-1 says between the time that storm hit and now, they found the following service requests:
- Transportation Public Works (tree issues right of way):
- 614 service requests
- Austin Resource Recovery (storm debris collection):
- 1,313 service requests
Those requests come after a storm ripped many branches and limbs off trees, including in Brad Williams’ yard.
“One large limb fell off this tree behind us, and I’ve had numerous people drop by and say, ‘Do you want me to cut that up for you?’ I said, ‘No, I’ll do it myself, I’m still able to do that kind of thing, so I want to,'” Williams said.
With more storms in the forecast, and severe weather season far from done, some of you have reached out to KXAN’s Report!t tip line to ask about damaged trees near power lines.
“If they have a limb that they have not already reported, they need to call Austin Energy … Generally, we respond as soon as possible when we receive a report of a tree on wire. Depending on if there’s immediate danger to loss of power, we will go ahead and get that tree removed, and if not, it will get prioritized accordingly,” said Brock Carter, vice president of electric system field operations for Austin Energy.
If you have trees on your property that are within 10 feet of power lines, Austin Energy asks that you do not attempt to trim those limbs on your own.
After you put in a trimming request, Austin Energy said an inspector will evaluate that request within two to four weeks. Depending on the work needed and current workload, the trimming itself could take several more weeks.
“It’s just depends on the severity of the branch and whether or not it looks like it could impact somebody’s service,” Carter said.
If there are sparks and/or a limb pulling from a pole or a house, Austin Energy asks you to call (512) 322-9100 to report as an emergency.
Limbs, branches not near power lines
Austin Resource Recovery (ARR) said Tuesday that it “is still collecting storm debris from last week’s microburst” and that you should still call 3-1-1 to request collection of large branches and limbs that were downed by the storm.
They also sent the following instructions:
Small branches, yard trimmings and leaves
“Place small branches and yard trimmings into the green composting cart, lawn and leaf bags or a reusable container and set them out on the next scheduled collection day. Small branches (no longer than five feet and no thicker than three inches in diameter) that do not fit into the green cart with the lid closed should be stacked into manageable piles no heavier than 30 pounds. Typically, ARR will collect the contents of your green cart and up to 15 extra items placed beside the cart, but item limits will be temporarily waived for customers who need storm debris collected.”
Large branches and tree limbs
“ARR customers can call 3-1-1 to request a collection of down tree limbs due to the severe weather. ARR crews will assess and collect them as soon as possible. Please have the limbs at the curb ready for collection.”
