Power restoration efforts continue in the Corpus Christi area after a severe thunderstorm pounded south Texas early Tuesday morning, affecting areas from Falfurrias to Corpus Christi. As of 3:45 p.m., about 5,500 customers were without service in the Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Kingsville areas, down from 13,600 at 11 a.m. At the height of the storm, more than 35,000 customers were affected by the storm in south Texas.

AEP Texas has arranged for additional crews to travel from west Texas, SWEPCO and San Antonio to help with the restoration process in the affected areas.

The outages were caused by lightning and high winds as the fast moving storm rolled across the area. These numbers will continue to be reduced throughout the day as crews work to restore service.

Shown below are the current outage restoration estimates for the areas hit hardest by the storm:

Corpus Christi south side:                   Noon Wednesday
Corpus Christi midtown:                      Noon Thursday
Kingsville and northwest CC:              Late Wednesday night
Aransas Pass:                                     Noon Wednesday

Longer restoration times are predicted for areas where felled trees have caused damage to power lines and are hindering the restoration process. AEP Texas has arranged for additional tree trimmers to travel to Corpus Christi to help with restoration process.

“Our priority remains to restore power to our customers as swiftly and as safely as possible,” said Bruce Evans, acting AEP Texas president. “We are grateful for everyone’s patience as we work together to get the lights back on.”