Sisters power restored after wind topples tree into pole, downs power lines; more trees fall around region

(Update: CEC Sisters power restored, Midstate Co-Op outages; trees fall on Black Butte Ranch home, Redmond barn)

SISTERS, Ore. (KTVZ) – High winds knocked down a tree, which fell into a 45-foot power pole and tore down lines in Sisters Thursday evening. It blocked streets and knocked out power to more than 230 Central Electric Cooperative members in downtown Sisters for several hours, until early Friday, authorities said.

Deschutes County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly after 5 p.m. to the report of a tree and lines down in the 200 block of South Ash Street, Lieutenant Chad Davis said.

The utility said power was restored early Friday morning. A CEC repair crew was on site, along with Sisters Public Works.

CEC Communications Coordinator Courtney Cobb said crews confirmed "the wind took down the tree, which hit the power pole and downed the power lines." She said crews are working on replacing the pole, stringing power lines and then working to bring the system live."

The message to members said, "Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible and hope to have power restored by 1 a.m. We thank members for their patience."

The downed lines blocked Ash Street between West Hood Avenue and West Washington Street, as well as a portion of Washington between Ash and Oak streets. Hood Avenue was blocked at Ash Street as well, Davis said.

Because of the power outage to part of the south side of the city, Davis said citizens were being asked to avoid the area, by vehicle or on foot, until it’s made safe. There were no reported injuries and unknown property damage.

There also was a large power outage in southern Deschutes and north Klamath County Friday afternoon due to several trees that came down on lines in the Gilchrist, Crescent and Highway 58 areas. Midstate Electric Cooperative said crews had all but a few members back in service before 6 p.m.

Windy conditions also toppled multiple trees Thursday around Black Butte Ranch, one that fell into an unoccupied house. Police asked residents to “please drive with caution and if you don’t have to be out, stay at home.”

Northwest Redmond resident Karla Blaney said high winds caused a tree to fall on her horse corral and hay barn off Helmholtz Way and Maple Avenue around 6:45 p.m. Thursday.

"My horses are fine, just a big shook up," she said.