WBRZ - Baton Rouge

Experts compare the electric grid of the United States as a radial system, similar to a tree. When you break a branch the twigs are gone, take out a trunk and the tree is gone. Hurricane Sandy gave New Jersey what Gulf Coast residents have experienced for years - the power grid is vulnerable to severe weather. Experts contend that there is no one-size-fits-all remedy that can insulate the aged grid against escalating storms. A review of this year's storms note that Sandy, Isaac and last summer's "super derecho" have tested the grid with possible solutions. In the future, smart meters will chart a storm's path and identify high priority locations, such as hospitals and fire stations. This will further the deployment of response teams to speed the recovery.