Media & news

Due to heavy rainfall from Hurricane Sally, PowerSouth issued today a high-water notification under its Emergency Action Plan.

With Hurricane Sally bringing several inches of rain to the area, and forecasters expecting more rain still, PowerSouth has initiated a controlled release at Gantt and Point A Dams, which are subject to government-mandated statutes.

“Rainfall from Hurricane Sally has dramatically increased water levels,” said Baynard Ward, PowerSouth Communications Manager. “When water levels at the dams reach a predetermined level, we work with local Emergency Management Agencies to notify the public of potential downstream flooding.”

PowerSouth’s operators manage its hydroelectric dams in accordance with state and federal statues to maintain the levels of Point A and Gantt Lakes within acceptable operating standards.

“Our operators allow all incoming water flow to pass through the dams, using the gates to manage river flow and maintain lake levels,” Ward said. “Our FERC operating license requires us to maintain the natural flow of the river, so all water that flows into the lakes is released into the Conecuh River at the Point A Dam.”

Safety is PowerSouth’s top priority.

“We will continue to monitor the lake levels and will adjust gates as needed to safely operate the Gantt and Point A Dams,” Ward said. “We advise property owners along the lakefront and downstream to remain vigilant of river and weather conditions. Please take the appropriate precautions against flooding.”