News Summary
Austin experienced severe thunderstorms early Thursday morning, resulting in significant power outages affecting thousands of residents. At the height of the storm, over 7,700 customers were impacted, with only a small number remaining without power by mid-morning. Utility crews worked diligently to restore service during the hazardous weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to stay safe and prepared for potential future storms.
Severe Thunderstorms Hit Austin: Power Outages Affect Thousands
Austin woke up to quite the stormy surprise on Thursday morning, as severe thunderstorms rolled through the area, causing widespread power outages for many residents. The troubles started bright and early at around 6:50 a.m., leaving several thousand Austin Energy customers in the dark.
Initial Impact and Location
At first, it was reported that approximately 4,300 customers were affected by the outages. The areas hit hardest included the cozy neighborhoods of Scenic Brook West, parts of Legend Oaks, and the Village at Western Oaks. It didn’t take long for the situation to change, though, as by 7:50 a.m., that number had decreased to around 3,000 customers.
A Steady Effort to Restore Power
As the storm wreaked havoc, workers were promptly dispatched to tackle the issue. Originally, power restoration was estimated to be completed by 8:23 a.m., but as the morning progressed, that estimate was updated to 9:03 a.m.. By the time it was 10:40 a.m., only 282 customers were still left without power, a hopeful sign for those in the affected areas.
A Look at the Bigger Picture
As of 7:27 a.m., things were looking quite dire, with an astonishing 7,713 customers affected by a total of 22 active outages throughout the region. The chaos was attributed to the same severe thunderstorms that hovered over Central Texas, bringing along hazards like inch-diameter hail, wind gusts reaching over 50 mph, and even isolated tornadoes.
Safety First: How Crews are Battling the Weather
Despite the challenging conditions, crews worked diligently throughout the morning to restore power. Even when the rain poured down, whether it was just a light mist or a torrential downpour, the technicians pressed on, knowing that every minute counted for those without electricity. By 10 a.m., encouragingly, the number of customers without power dropped to under 1,000.
Cooperation Across Utility Services
The storms didn’t just affect Austin Energy customers. Other utility services, such as Oncor and Pedernales Electric Cooperative, also had their hands full serving various counties in the area. The collaboration between these energy companies is vital to ensure that everyone receives the timely help they need during such inclement weather.
Looking Ahead
As Austin continues to listen to the weather forecasts, residents are reminded to stay safe and prepared for potential further storms. The weather can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for updates. If you’re among those who experienced a power outage, hang in there—relief is on the way thanks to the tireless efforts of the crews on the ground.
With stormy weather still lingering in the forecast, it’s essential for everyone to remain cautious and be aware of emergency contacts, keeping a flashlight and other essentials handy. Remember to check on neighbors, especially those who might need a helping hand during these turbulent weather conditions.
Stay safe, Austin, and let’s hope for clearer skies ahead!
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Additional Resources
- KVUE News
- Wikipedia: Severe Storms
- CBS Austin
- Google Search: Austin Energy Outages
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Scholar: Impact of Severe Weather
- MSN Weather
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Weather Phenomena
- KXAN News
- Google News: Austin Weather Outages
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
