Emergency assessment and response is underway by SWEPCO crews after a powerful storm brought damaging winds that downed trees and toppled power lines across parts of East Texas Tuesday morning.
As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 14,700 customers are without power. At peak, 19,000 customers were without power.
other utilities and contractors
SWEPCO has requested help from other utilities and contractors to aid in the restoration effort
SWEPCO has requested help from other utilities and contractors to aid in the restoration effort, with many already en route.
Early assessments show some of the most impacted areas include Henderson, Longview, Mineola, and New London. National Weather Service/NOAA estimate peak wind gusts at 48 mph in Henderson and 39 mph in Longview.
Assessing the damage
Estimated times of restoration will be made available once assessors have completed their work.
When a storm causes the power to go out, assessors ensure the right crew, the right equipment and the right location are accurate to safely and as quickly as possible, restore service to the customers.
Get restoration updates
When the crews arrive on individual work sites, a more precise restoration time for the affected group
By enrolling in the alerts at SWEPCO.com/Alerts, customers get updated restoration information.
When the crews arrive on individual work sites, a more precise restoration time for the affected group of customers will be updated in the system and communicated through alerts if the customers have signed up to receive the notifications by phone or email.
Post-storm safety tips
- Stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
- Carefully investigate before cleaning up any debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- If using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.