Oncor crews have been deployed to assess damage and restore power outages across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex following a line of severe thunderstorms this afternoon. As of 5:30 p.m., more than 300,000 homes and businesses are without power. 

These storms produced golf ball-sized hail, intense cloud to ground lightning, strong rain, and high winds in excess of 80 mph. Extreme winds led to downed power lines, heavily damaged distribution equipment and poor road conditions from fallen trees and debris.

Oncor restoration crews were deployed as soon as it was safe for them to begin the damage assessment and restoration process, and they will be working around the clock until power is fully restored. In areas with heavy debris, Oncor vegetation management personnel must remove tree limbs and branches from lines before repairs can be made. Customers should be prepared for the possibility of extended outages in the case of extremely damaged equipment.

Oncor has also requested additional support from utility partners across Texas and neighboring states.

“The severity and high winds of this storm has caused significant damage and high power outages. Our crews are on the ground now and will be working around the clock to assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible,” said Keith Hull, Oncor Vice President of Distribution Operations. The safety of our customers and crews is our top priority and we ask that everyone please remain vigilant and patient as restoration work continues.”

Keep these safety tips in mind during and immediately following severe storms:

• If you see a downed power line, leave the area and call 9-1-1. In addition to the downed line potentially being electrified, anything touching the power line, such as a tree branch, could also be electrified. Keep pets, children and others away from the area.
• Do not attempt to remove debris and tree limbs from areas near power lines. The debris may be concealing a live wire or downed power line.
  
• Use caution when traveling on the roadways, especially in areas with heavy debris and streetlights without power.
  
• If you are experiencing and emergency event, call 911 immediately. Customers can report outages by calling 888-313-4747.