Power problems in Kenner, LA

[brooklynite]

Link to tweet

[jpak]

1. Witchcraft!

[dalton99a]

2. Kick

[localroger]

3. That is a horizontal version of the demo called "Jacob's Ladder"

Power is arcing between the two lines which normally carry 1,200 or 2,400 volts to the transformers that power groups of houses. That kind of arcing suggests a much higher voltage is present on the lines, either because a high tension step-down transformer failed or because a higher tension line fell across those. In either case anything electronic connected to any of the power circuitry in that neighborhood is going to be toast. It's just possible that the fuses on the step-downs that take the local feed voltage and drop it to 120/240 for residential service might save some of the customers' equipment, but the system isn't really designed to deal with this.