The Empire District Electric Co. in Joplin, Missouri, reports that as of 4 p.m. approximately 14,000 customers remain without service due to the tornado that struck on May 22, 2011. Assessments on Empire’s transmission system show the loss of 130 transmission poles. Empire crews plus contract crews with 32 additional linemen are working to repair the damage. An additional 24 linemen are currently en route.

Due to the severe weather this morning, work continues on assessing damage to the distribution system. Empire has called in additional contract crews with 42 linemen to assist in the distribution restoration efforts. Based on current information, this outage situation is anticipated to be a multi-day event. Empire encourages customers to make necessary arrangements to keep themselves and their family safe during this extended outage.