Power Outages Sweep Southeast Texas and Coastal Bend After Storms

Thousands of homes and businesses are without power across Southeast Texas and the Coastal Bend.

Lightning and strong winds are the primary causes of the outages.

Utility companies like Jasper-Newton Electric Cooperative (JNEC), Entergy, and AEP Texas are working to restore power, but restoration times vary.

Residents are advised to take precautions such as creating emergency preparedness kits and using generators safely.

Why this matters: Power outages can disrupt daily life, impact essential services, and pose safety risks. Staying informed and prepared is crucial during these events.

Southeast Texas:: As of late Tuesday night, JNEC reported over 11,000 customers without power. Entergy Texas also reported significant outages across multiple counties. Hardin, Jasper, Newton, and Orange counties were among the most affected.

Coastal Bend:: AEP Texas reported thousands of customers without power across multiple counties. Refugio and Aransas Pass counties saw the highest outage numbers. Nueces, Bee, Live Oak, and Jim Wells counties were also affected.

Prepare an emergency kit:: Include a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable snacks.

Charge devices:: Ensure phones and other essential devices are fully charged, and have backup charging methods available.

Use generators safely:: Follow manufacturer's instructions and never connect generators to the electrical system without a qualified electrician.

Protect refrigerated food:: Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to preserve food longer. Discard any perishable items that have been above 40°F for more than two hours.

Q: How can I find out when my power will be restored?

Q: What should I do with refrigerated food during a power outage?

Stay informed about outage updates from your local utility company.

Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies.

Practice generator safety to avoid hazards.

Protect refrigerated food to prevent spoilage.