What to Do If You Hear Crackling Sounds From Wires After a Tornado in St. Louis

If you hear crackling sounds from wires after a tornado, treat it as an immediate electrical hazard: stay at least 30 feet away, do not touch any wires or metal objects nearby, and call 911 or your utility company right away for help.

 

Understanding the Danger of Crackling Wires

 

After a tornado, strong winds and debris can damage power lines and electrical equipment. Crackling or buzzing noises usually mean electricity is “arcing,” which is when electric current jumps through the air between conductors or damaged insulation. Arcing can ignite fires, cause severe shocks, or even lead to explosions if flammable materials are nearby.

 

Immediate Safety Steps to Take

 

• Keep a safe distance of at least 30 feet (about 10 meters) from any fallen or hanging wires.
• Warn others—family members, neighbors, or bystanders—to stay clear of the area.
• Never touch the wires, any metal objects in contact with them, or the ground around them.
• Avoid standing in water or wet grass near damaged wires, as water conducts electricity.
• Locate a safe spot—inside a sturdy building or vehicle—while you make emergency calls.
• Dial 911 immediately if you suspect an electrical fire or someone has been shocked.

 

How to Identify and Report Damaged Wires

 

Look for visual and sensory warning signs:

• Sparks or small bursts of flame along wire insulation
• Melted or frayed plastic covering on wires
• Unusual odors like burning rubber or plastic
• Flickering lights or circuit breakers tripping in your home
• Visible sagging or tangled wires intertwined with tree limbs

When you call emergency services or your utility provider, give them the exact location, describe what you see and hear, and mention any nearby structures or vehicles at risk.

 

Who to Call for Professional Help

 

• Your local electric utility company—this is the fastest way to de-energize live wires on power poles or transformers.
• A licensed, insured electrician to inspect and repair any damaged wiring on your property.
• Fire department if you suspect a fire hazard or see smoke.
• Insurance provider to document damage for claims (once the area is safe).

Residents in St. Louis and Nashville count on full-service teams to restore power safely and follow local building codes.

 

What Professionals Will Do on Arrival

 

• Secure the area by shutting off power at the nearest supply point.
• Test wires with specialized tools to confirm no current is flowing.
• Replace or repair damaged poles, overhead lines, conduit, and junction boxes.
• Rewire blown fuses, breakers, or outlets inside your home or business.
• Perform safety inspections to ensure ground connections and surge protectors work properly.
• Restore power in a controlled manner and monitor for any abnormal sounds or voltage fluctuations.

 

Preventing Future Electrical Hazards

 

• Schedule routine inspections with an electrician every 1–2 years, especially after severe weather.
• Trim tree branches at least 10 feet away from overhead lines to prevent contact during storms.
• Install surge protectors on your main electrical panel to guard against spikes when power is restored.
• Use weatherproof covers on outside outlets and junction boxes.
• Keep generator connections and extension cords in good repair—and follow manufacturer instructions for grounding.

 

By following these steps—keeping distance, calling the right professionals, and performing preventative maintenance—you’ll dramatically reduce the risk of shock, fire, or damage. Stay vigilant after any tornado or severe storm, and always treat crackling wires as a life‐threatening emergency.