Emergency water distribution centers will open this afternoon in Grenada as thousands of residents continue to grapple with widespread power and water outages in the wake of Winter Storm Fern.
Grenada Emergency Management Agency Director Chris Whitehurst announced mid-morning that water distribution sites will operate from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. today, Thursday, Jan. 29, at the Emmanuel Baptist Church Ministry Center located at 4461 S. Commerce St., and the Tie Plant Volunteer Fire Station located at 22455 Hwy. 8 E., where affected citizens can receive cases of bottled water. City officials added that crews are working steadily to expand access to drinking water, while repairs continue across the city and county.
The winter storm, which coated Grenada County in ice, brought down power lines and poles, knocking out electricity to thousands and disrupting water service to many of the same homes and businesses. Today marks the fifth that many residents have gone without electricity, water or both, leaving neighborhoods relying on generators, community shelters and the emerging network of relief sites. City leaders thanked residents for their patience and urged them to check on neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical needs, as recovery stretches on.
Grenada Water & Sewer Department officials said Wednesday afternoon that Winter Storm Fern has severely strained the city’s water system, triggering several Boil Water Alerts as service slowly returns after extended outages. While some customers have seen water pressure restored, many others remained without service Thursday morning, and officials cautioned that supply and pressure may fluctuate as repairs continue.
As a result of the storm’s lingering impacts, the communities of Holcomb, Gore Springs and Elliott, along with residents on Girl Scout Road and Airport Circle, remain under active Boil Water Alerts. Customers in those areas are advised to boil water vigorously for at least one minute before using it for drinking, cooking, making ice or brushing teeth until further notice from the water department.
Even as linemen, city crews and contractors work long hours to restore power, repair broken mains and stabilize the water system, local leaders emphasized that public safety remains the priority. They encouraged residents who are able to do so to utilize today’s water distribution at Emmanuel Church Ministry Center and Tie Plant VFD.
To read more about the Grenada Water & Sewer Department Boil Water Alerts click the link below:
https://www.grenadastar.com/city-issues-numerous-boil-water-alerts-following-winter-storm-outages
