Houston Area Power Outages: Some CenterPoint Energy Customers Lose Power Due to Severe Weather

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston-area residents are without power in southeast Texas due to severe storms and heavy rain Tuesday.

An ABC13 Weather Alert Day was in effect Tuesday evening as a severe thunderstorm watch was issued for Southeast Texas until 6 p.m.

According to CenterPoint Energy’s outage tracking system, as of 9:11 p.m., 76,478 customers were affected.

This number includes those affected by today’s storms as well as severe weather that has hit the region in recent weeks.

The energy company counted 3,428 customers experiencing active outages, and 942 customers had their power 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 – in the Houston area. Crews began working to restore power to affected customers as safely and quickly as possible.

The severe weather damage resulted in electrical service interruptions peaking to approximately 325,000 customers. As of 8 p.m. CT, approximately 105,000 customers were 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 people who were without power due to that storm may be out again due to today’s weather conditions . In addition to CenterPoint resources already deployed, additional linemen and vegetation management professionals were requested for mutual assistance.

Customers who rely on electricity for vital equipment (such as customers with chronic illnesses or critical care) are encouraged to have a contingency plan in place, as CenterPoint cannot guarantee uninterrupted power supply. If electricity is a necessity, customers should make other arrangements for on-site backup capabilities or other alternatives in the event of loss of electrical service.

In addition to damaging CenterPoint’s infrastructure and electrical equipment, the weather may have damaged customer-owned equipment. Customers should check their Weatherhead, the point where electricity enters the home through an electrical service outlet, which is often a pipe located on the side of the residence or building. If equipment is damaged, customers will need to contact a qualified electrician to make repairs before the company can restore service to them.

CenterPoint urges customers to always stay at least 35 feet away from downed power lines and damaged electrical equipment. Treat all broken and damaged equipment as energized and report it to the company at 713-207-2222.

During the May 16 storm, CenterPoint’s Outage Tracker online map experienced technical issues that limited performance for customers. Until the tool is restored, customers are encouraged to use the Power Alert service for outage information.

Everyone can visit a municipal library, community center or multi-service center during normal business hours to relieve the heat, recharge their devices and rest. Schedules for these facilities are available 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.

MORE WEATHER COVERAGE: