The Israeli Electric Company (IEC) is bolstering its staff in service districts and centers following forecasts from the Meteorological Service predicting high winds, thunderstorms, lightning, and intense rainfall throughout the country. The storms, which began on Wednesday, are expected to continue into Thursday.
IEC called on the public "to remove or anchor items and accessories that may break away and fly in heavy winds, potentially damaging electrical wires." Among other things, IEC recommended the public reinforce or remove blinds that are not connected properly, batten down lids on containers, check water tanks and catchment systems on roofs, as well as planters, flower pots and the like.
In case stormy weather damages or downs wires, an IEC spokesman said, "We reiterate, that it is forbidden to touch torn or downed wires yourselves. Report them to IEC or call the police."
Electrical consumption across the country during the storm is likely to create high loads that will stress IEC's infrastructure, the company warned. "An inability of production capacity to meet demands may arise. In cases of network failures, IEC will make every effort necessary to shorten interruptions of service. We will work to ensure a steady electricity supply to customers."
The company qualified its promises, stating that IEC consumers "must take into account that situations may arise, such as dangerous conditions and high winds, which may prevent company's staff from fixing glitches in elevated areas, all of which can make it difficult to repair electricity grids and therefore slow the pace of bringing back the supply."
Power outages and damaged electrical lines should be reported by dialing the IEC at 103.
Note: IEC 103 does not have a dedicated line for English speakers.