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SWEPCO has mobilized additional crews and contractors, utilizing specialized track equipment to access damaged areas. Crews are working on the ground, in the air, and on boats to reach and repair necessary infrastructure.
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, at least 29 tornadoes had occurred, prompting an unprecedented 67 warnings in a single day and setting a record. 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. 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 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. To sign up to receive your personalized restoration update, visit swepco.com/alerts.
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should customers do if they see downed lines?
Don't touch it or anything near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Keep yourself and others as far away as possible and call 911 or SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
Now is the time for customers to determine whether their home can receive power - SWEPCO cannot connect power to a home or business if there is damage to the service entrance, which is owned by the customer. Customers must have a licensed electrician repair damage before power can be restored. Click for a flyer in English & Spanish. Learn how to identify weatherhead damages by watching this video. ENGLISH | SPANISH
This is the final update on this storm event.