The ArkLaTex faced a significant weather event on Monday, July 8, as Beryl, a Category 1 hurricane, struck the Texas coast and moved through the region.
The National Weather Service office in Shreveport confirmed late Thursday evening that at least 29 tornadoes had occurred, prompting an unprecedented 67 warnings in a single day and setting a record.
Rebuild power delivery systems
Work continues in the ArkLaTex to rebuild from the storm that unleashed extreme weather
In response, more than 940 utility professionals are continuing their efforts to rebuild power delivery systems for SWEPCO customers.
SWEPCO crews are working across the ArkLaTex to rebuild, repair, and restore power. Work continues in the ArkLaTex to rebuild from the storm that unleashed extreme weather that downed lines and snapped poles.
The Haughton community, identified by the NWS as having experienced a confirmed tornado with winds over 100 mph, experienced significant damage to homes, structures, and energy infrastructure.
SWEPCO restored power
Preliminary assessments show more than 169 utility poles need repair and 90 poles were broken and require replacement. Work is ongoing. As of 9 a.m. Friday, SWEPCO successfully and safely restored power to approximately 48,496 customers. The remaining customers in Haughton and Benton who can receive power are expected to have power back by 5 p.m. Friday.
As crews complete work in their assigned areas, they are being re-routed to assist the current teams in Haughton and any other identified locations to ensure that the hardest-hit areas receive the necessary support to expedite power restoration.
SWEPCO direct updates
SWEPCO aims to restore service to all customers as swiftly and safely as possible. Customers who signed up for email or text alerts could receive direct updates on the estimated restoration time at their home or business as crews continue working to restore power.
At 11 p.m. Monday, July 8, a peak of 48,831 SWEPCO customers had power disrupted as a result of Beryl and the severe weather it brought. The region experienced a record-breaking 67 tornado warnings from the National Weather Service.
