Thunderstorms swept through south Texas early Tuesday morning leaving approximately 41,000 consumers in the AEP Texas service territory without power at the storm’s peak.  AEP Texas crews had reduced the number of outages to 23,000 as 10 a.m. Tuesday morning and are continuing efforts to assess damage and restore power.

Outages caused by the storm were concentrated in the following areas in the AEP Texas service territory:

Corpus Christi and surrounding areas                       26,000 outages  at 6 a.m.              12,000 outages at 10 a.m.

Rio Grande Valley                                                  28,000 outages  at 2 a.m.              8,900 outages at 10 a.m.

Laredo District                                                       2,600 outages at 9 a.m.                 2,400 outages at 10 a.m.

Approximately 120 personnel are traveling to the AEP Texas service territory to assist in the restoration of service.   Numerous power lines and utility poles were damaged or knocked down by the storm.  Most of these personnel are being directed to the Falfurrias, Hebbronville and surrounding areas and the remainder directed throughout the southern and coastal bend portions of the AEP Texas service territory.

Service restoration is anticipated to much Corpus Christi and surrounding areas Tuesday evening.  However, the restoration effort in the south side and midtown areas of Corpus Christi is likely to extend into Wednesday.  The restoration of service to the Kingsville and Aransas Pass areas could continue through Thursday.

Over 80 utility poles were knocked down in the Ponderosa area near Falfurrias, and AEP Texas continues to assess the amount of damage in surrounding areas, including Falfurrias and Hebbronville and surrounding areas where restoration efforts could take two days or more.

AEP Texas anticipates restoration of service in the Rio Grande Valley area to reach the 95 percent complete by Wednesday evening and sooner for many areas in the Valley.

Residents are reminded to consider any downed power lines to be energized and dangerous.  Please call 866 223-8508 to report downed lines.