What characterizes a major storm disaster in the power sector?

A major storm disaster in the power sector is characterized by extensive mechanical fatigue and widespread customer interruptions due to the extreme demands placed on infrastructure and equipment. During significant storms, wind, rain, and ice can exert forces that go beyond normal operational conditions, leading to equipment failures, structural damage, and outages. The cumulative effect of these challenges often results in a prolonged restoration process, as utility companies must assess and repair extensive damage to their transmission and distribution networks.

Widespread customer interruptions signify that many areas experience power outages simultaneously, reflecting the scale of the storm's impact on the power grid. This not only affects residential customers but can also disrupt essential services that rely on electricity, highlighting the critical need for effective disaster response strategies in the power sector.

In contrast, other options do not accurately represent the nature of a major storm disaster. Minimal impact on service restoration, for example, would suggest that the storm caused little to no disruption, which is counter to the definition of a major disaster. Conditions within equipment design limits imply that the equipment is functioning as intended without failures, which is unlikely during severe weather events. Improved system reliability contradicts the effects of major storms, as these events typically expose vulnerabilities and lead to significant challenges within the power system.