CPS Energy Crews Working to Restore Power After Three Storms and More Than 5,000 Lightning Strikes
May 29, 2021 - San Antonio
Dark weekend. CPS Energy crews are continuing to restore power to customers following three back-to-back severe thunderstorms that began Friday night and continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, May 29, 2021. Photo: Johannes Plenio.
By Jade Esteban Estrada, Staff Writer | San Antonio Sentinel
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
- CPS Energy crews are continuing to restore power to customers following three back-to-back severe thunderstorms
- The City of San Antonio has opened the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as a shelter for residents continuing to experience power outages
CPS Energy crews are continuing to restore power to customers following three back-to-back severe thunderstorms that began Friday night and continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, May 29, 2021. Collectively, the storms produced more than 5,000 lightning strikes and high winds that reached 77 miles per hour (MPH) in some areas, bringing down tree limbs onto power lines and damaging transformers and other utility infrastructure that led to about 33,000 sustained customer outages at peak.
As of Saturday evening, there are 331 outages affecting 7,624 customers across Greater San Antonio. CPS Energy responded to 137 wire down orders caused by the storms. Customers are reminded to be safe around downed power lines and to treat any downed line as if it is live.
“Keep your distance from downed power lines and don’t touch it,” said a City spokesperson on Saturday night. Downed power lines should be reported by calling 210-353-4357 (HELP).
CPS Energy recommends that individuals and families without power should seek overnight shelter as the restoration process will continue through the holiday weekend. Restoration focus is on larger outages to bring the most customers back online first. This will take time, according to the press release, as the storm caused significant damage to trees and equipment.
The City of San Antonio has opened the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as a shelter for residents continuing to experience power outages.
The Convention Center will open at 9:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the Convention Center garage. Shelter attendees should plan to bring any clothes, supplies and medications needed. Water and snacks will be provided, and pets are welcome.
Residents in need of transportation assistance may contact 311 for assistance. Those with medical needs and in need of shelter should also call 311 for arrangements.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer for the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. jade@sasentinel.com | Twitter: @getjaded