DOWNEY, Calif. - A widespread power outage hit the Downey and Norwalk area on Tuesday due to the failure of a transformer at a Southern California Edison (SCE) substation. The outage began around 1:30 p.m. and affected around 25,000 residents across multiple cities, including Santa Fe Springs, Bellflower, Whittier, Compton, Lakewood, and South Gate.
According to SCE spokesman Jeff Monford, crews were deployed immediately to address the issue. "We know every outage is a hardship (and) crews are working as quickly as they can to safely restore power," he stated to KABC. His remarks emphasized the company’s commitment to resolving the outage as quickly as possible.
Reports indicated widespread disruptions. Metro C (Green) Line trains were halted between the Norwalk and Willowbrook/Rose Parks stations due to the power issue, forcing transit authorities to arrange bus shuttles for stranded passengers. Traffic lights were reported to be out at various intersections, adding to the chaos and prompting safety concerns for drivers and pedestrians alike.
By the evening, SCE crews had re-routed power, restoring service to many impacted customers relatively quickly. Despite these efforts, the total number of outages remained uncertain, with no specific timeline provided for when the remaining customers would have their power restored.
Another SCE spokesperson, Jen Monford, reiterated the company’s response to the crisis, stating, "We know every outage is a hardship (and) crews are working as quickly as they can to safely restore power." She emphasized the importance of keeping customers informed during such unexpected outages.
The incident not only affected everyday life but also highlighted the frailty of infrastructure during peak holiday times, as many families prepared for Christmas celebrations. The timing could not be worse, with many relying on electricity for cooking, lighting, and entertainment.
While the cause of the transformer failure is still under investigation, residents are left grappling with the aftermath of the outage. Community members have been vocal about their concerns surrounding power reliability and the need for infrastructure upgrades to prevent future incidents.
City officials have also begun discussions with SCE about the need for improved communication during outages. "It's important for our residents to stay informed, especially at times like this when many are preparing for family gatherings," commented one local council member.
Crews are still on the ground assessing the power grid and addressing any additional issues related to the outage. Water repair teams have also been dispatched to check for any potential water-related problems exacerbated by the power failure, as there are concerns about the interdependence of these systems.
This breaking news story remains fluid, with updates expected as more information becomes available. The Downey and Norwalk communities continue to rely on SCE for timely updates concerning restoration efforts and the overall status of their electricity supply.
Residents are encouraged to check their outage status online and contact SCE for assistance. The focus remains on ensuring safety and restoring power as quickly and efficiently as possible, especially as the holidays approach.
