JEFFERSON COUNTY, Tenn. — Update (2:55 p.m.): Over 11,000 people were without power in Jefferson and Sevier County. By 12 p.m. the Appalachian Electric Cooperative said all power was restored.
The Appalachian Electric Cooperative outage map reported that 6,104 members were without power near Piedmont Road and 5,388 people were without power near Old Jefferson City Highway.
The company said switches at the Piedmont and Dandrige substations failed, resulting in a large power outage.
AEC said it's experiencing technical difficulties with its phone system but it is aware of current outages and is working to get power restored as quickly as possible. Anyone without power should reach out to AEC at 865-475-2032.
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Over 4,600 people are without power in Jefferson County and Sevier County Wednesday morning.
Appalachian Electric Cooperative announced around 7 a.m. that it was aware of the power outage. The company said switches at the Piedmont and Dandridge substations failed, resulting in large outages.
Crews are working these substations to make the repairs and get power restored, AEC said.
Temperatures in East Tennessee were in the upper teens and lower 20s Wednesday morning.
Jefferson County Schools canceled classes Wednesday due to the power outage. Students who arrive at the schools via bus will begin returning back home at 7:35 a.m.
JCS said the power restoration timeframe is unknown and that phone and internet remain down at most schools and support offices.
This story is ongoing and we will update you as we learn more.