Why does the power go out during extremely cold weather?

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Why does the power go out during extremely cold weather?

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BY AYESHA GULZAR

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A brutal winter storm brought Christmas chaos and misery to millions of Americans as intense snow and frigid cold gripped parts of the eastern United States.

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One might wonder why the power goes out when it’s just so cold outside.

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The electric system consists of thousands of components that are mostly electromechanical, with lots of moving parts. There is a range where these components work best.

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Dr. Jenna Crowe-Riddell

When the weather gets too cold or hot, or humidity levels go beyond the range, the electrical system will not be as efficient.

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Winter weather often features storms and blizzards. Ice and snow can accumulate on power lines and tree branches, which can cause them to break or fall onto the lines, leading to power outages.

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Even if there is no snow or a blizzard, tree roots cause a problem by providing a pathway for ice to build up around underground power lines disrupting the flow of electricity.

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If temperature extremes are worse than forecast and/or happen faster than predicted, utility companies may not have enough time or resources to meet the increased demand for electricity.

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More in the article.

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