SWEPCO crews are actively engaged in emergency assessment and repair efforts following a severe storm that swept through East Texas with strong winds on Tuesday morning, toppling trees and power lines across the region. As of 3 p.m. Tuesday, roughly 14,700 customers were still experiencing power outages, down from a peak of 19,000 earlier that day.
Assistance from Utilities and Contractors
SWEPCO has enlisted assistance from other utilities and contractors to expedite the power restoration process. Teams are already on their way to the affected areas. The storm's most impacted locations include Henderson, Longview, Mineola, and New London, with the National Weather Service/NOAA reporting peak wind gusts of 48 mph in Henderson and 39 mph in Longview.
Damage Assessment and Restoration Timeline
Estimated restoration times will be shared with the public once damage assessments are complete. This evaluation ensures that crews have precise information on the required equipment and locations, enabling them to safely restore power to customers as swiftly as possible.
Receiving Updates on Restoration
Customers affected by the storm can receive detailed updates on service restoration by enrolling in alerts at SWEPCO.com/Alerts. These alerts, which can be received via phone or email, will provide real-time restoration estimates as crews begin work at specific sites.
Post-Storm Safety Tips
SWEPCO advises residents to maintain a safe distance from any downed wires and any objects they may contact. Such incidents should be reported to 911 or directly to SWEPCO at (888) 218-3919. Before undertaking any post-storm cleanup, carefully check for hidden wires beneath tree limbs, leaves, or debris. Ensure that individuals do not handle debris within a 10-foot distance of a power line. If using a generator, it's crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's safety guidelines.
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.
