ST. LOUIS – Ameren Missouri is closely monitoring an approaching winter storm, focusing on the potential impact of snow on power lines.

The utility company highlights that while freezing rain and ice are typically the biggest threats during winter storms, the current concern is the weight of snow on tree limbs, which could lead to power outages.

Ameren Missouri states that their energy infrastructure is designed to withstand up to a half inch of ice and wind speeds of 40 miles per hour.

Ameren Missouri has been proactive in preparing for winter weather by engaging in aggressive tree trimming and utilizing smart technology to reroute power quickly during outages.

During a storm last month, Ameren successfully used smart switch technology to prevent outages for over 14,000 customers.

Ameren Missouri’s preparations and use of smart technology are aimed at minimizing disruptions as the storm approaches, with a particular focus on managing the impact of heavy snow on power lines.

All facts from this article were gathered by KTVI journalists. This article was converted into this format with assistance from artificial intelligence. It has been edited and approved by KTVI staff.