Blown transformer caused weekend power outage at TJC - WECT TV6-WECT.com:News, weather & sports Wilmington, NC

Tyler Junior College officials say a blown transformer was the cause of their weekend power outage.

School officials say a large amount of water seeped into a main electrical cable, causing a short, which lead to a blown transformer.

Power and hot water were restored over the weekend and students were provided with temporary housing.

People who were taking the SAT when the power went out will have an opportunity to retake the test on February 16th.  TJC says the SAT will contact those students with more information.

Buildings on the TJC campus lost power at around 11:30 a.m. Saturday and it remained out for about 17 hours.

Students who had been on campus taking the SAT were asked to leave the building they were testing in and their test was canceled.

TJC officials say there was also a "small smoke scare" at the Genecov Science Building when the power went out.

Around 250 students were asked to leave their dorms by 5 p.m. on Saturday night because power had not been restored to their buildings. Those students were told they could stay with friends and family or they could temporarily move into dorms with backup power. 

Affected students were given flashlights and TJC provided sandwiches for their dinners. 

TJC is planning a meeting to talk about what they learned from the incident and to discuss ways they can be better prepared for these types of situations. 

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