Even as AEP Texas crews were completing the restoration of power in the Abilene area in the aftermath of Monday evening’s storm, a new storm swept into the area Wednesday afternoon taking the number of outages from a low of around 140 up to approximately 1,700.  By 5:15 p.m.,  AEP Texas had reduced the number of outages back down to the earlier 140 outages.  

Although the Wednesday afternoon storm was significantly less intense than the thunderstorms hitting the area Monday evening with 80-mph winds, the new storm resulted in the opening of many breakers and blown fuses, said Greg Blair, AEP Texas manager of External Affairs.  

“Our crews were able to respond quickly to the outages resulting from this afternoon’s storm and are continuing their focus on repairing or replacing downed lines, replacing utility poles and repairing or replacing damaged electrical equipment,” Blair said.  “They also are clearing tree branches and limbs that have made contact with our power lines.”

Unless new inclement weather creates hazardous conditions, AEP Texas crews and contractors will continue to work this evening to restore power to most, if not all, of the remaining 140 customers.