Severe thunderstorms swept through North Texas overnight, leaving more than 6,400 homes without power this morning. According to Oncor, the leading energy provider in the region, the outages are a result of heavy rain and strong wind gusts that downed power lines and disrupted the electrical grid.
Breakdown of Power Outages
As of 6:30 a.m. CST, the following counties are experiencing power outages:
- Dallas County – 2,370 homes affected
- Denton County – 1,651 homes affected
- Ellis County – 765 homes affected
- Tarrant County – 553 homes affected
- Wise County – 327 homes affected
- Hunt County – 220 homes affected
- Rockwall County – 121 homes affected
- Collin County – 156 homes affected
- Kaufman County – 94 homes affected
- Delta County – 67 homes affected
- Johnson County – 13 homes affected
- Fannin County – 10 homes affected
- Parker County – 4 homes affected
- Hopkins County – 1 home affected
- Red River County – 1 home affected
Oncor’s Response and Restoration Efforts
In a statement shared on social media, Oncor assured residents that crews have been dispatched across affected areas to restore power as quickly as possible. The company emphasized that the outages were primarily caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall, which damaged electrical infrastructure.
Safety Warnings for Residents
Oncor is urging the public to remain cautious in storm-affected areas, particularly around downed power lines. Residents should follow these safety guidelines:
Power Line and Electrical Safety
- Stay away from fallen power lines – They could still be energized and pose a serious electrocution risk.
- Keep others and pets at a safe distance from downed lines.
- Report any downed power lines immediately by calling 911.
- Avoid touching anything in contact with power lines, including fences, trees, or vehicles.
- Do not drive over downed power lines – Even if they appear inactive, they may still be live.
Generator and Appliance Safety
- Use generators properly – Never operate a generator indoors or in an enclosed space like a garage. Carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
- Unplug appliances and electronics to prevent power surges when electricity is restored.
- Avoid using candles as a primary light source due to fire risk. Use flashlights or battery-powered lanterns instead.
Personal and Home Safety
- Check on elderly family members and neighbors, specifically those who rely on medical equipment.
- Avoid flooded areas – Water can hide electrical hazards and dangerous debris.
- Use extreme caution if driving – Traffic signals may be out, and roads could be hazardous due to debris.
- Charge your phone in advance or use a car charger to stay updated with emergency information.
Checking for Updates
Power restoration efforts are ongoing, and residents can track the latest outage updates using Oncor’s outage map. Authorities advise residents to prepare for possible extended outages in some areas due to the widespread damage.
For more updates on severe weather impacts in North Texas, stay tuned to local news sources and official statements from Oncor.
