Nearly 80,000 CenterPoint Energy customers affected amid severe weather conditions, data shows
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston-area residents are without power in southeast Texas as severe storms and heavy rain pushed through on Tuesday.
An ABC13 Weather Alert Day was in effect on Tuesday evening as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch was issued for southeast Texas until 6 p.m.
According to CenterPoint Energy's outage tracker, at 9:11 p.m., 76,478 customers were affected.
This number includes those impacted by today's storms as well as the severe weather that struck the area over the last few weeks.
The energy company counted 3,428 customers actively experiencing outages, and 942 customers' power was restored over a 24-hour period.
CenterPoint Energy sent the following statement:
CenterPoint Energy is currently assessing damage to its infrastructure following this afternoon's severe thunderstorm that caused flooding and wind gusts of up to 75 mph - consistent with Category 1 hurricane winds - across the Houston area. Crews have begun efforts to restore power to affected customers as safely and quickly as possible.
Damage from the severe weather resulted in electric service interruptions peaking at approximately 325,000 customers. As of 8 p.m. CT, approximately 105,000 customers are without power. As damage assessments are completed and restoration continues, CenterPoint will provide additional updates.
CenterPoint recognizes that the Houston area is still recovering from the May 16 severe weather event, and some who were without power due to that storm might be out again because of today's weather. In addition to CenterPoint resources that have already been deployed, additional lineworkers and vegetation management professionals have been requested for mutual assistance support.
Those customers who depend on electricity for life-sustaining equipment (such as chronic condition or critical care customers) are encouraged to have an emergency plan in place as CenterPoint cannot ensure an uninterrupted power supply. If electricity is a necessity, customers should make alternate arrangements for on-site back-up capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electric service.
In addition to damaging CenterPoint's electric infrastructure and equipment, severe weather may have caused damage to customer-owned equipment. Customers should check their Weatherhead, the point where power enters the home through an electric service drop, which is often a pipe located on the side of the residence or building. If the equipment is damaged, customers will need to contact a qualified electrician to make repairs before the company is able to restore service to them.
CenterPoint urges customers to always stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and damaged electric utility equipment. Treat all down and damaged equipment as energized and report them to the company at 713-207-2222.
During the May 16 storm, CenterPoint's Outage Tracker online map experienced technical challenges which limited the performance for customers. Until the tool is restored, customers are encouraged to utilize Power Alert Service for outage information.
Anyone can visit a city library, community center, or multi-service center during normal business hours to find relief from the heat, charge their devices, and rest. The schedules for these facilities can be found at the following links:
If you see a downed power line, CenterPoint Energy urges you to stay at least 35 feet away and call 713-207-2222.
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