Oncor says power expected to be restored to most customers impacted by tornado outbreak by this evening

Oncor said today that it has restored power to more than 139,000 of the approximately 150,000 customers who lost power due to an outbreak of tornadoes that touched down Sunday in North Texas.

The company noted in a press release yesterday that it expects to restore power to most homes and businesses without significant damage by late tonight.

The National Weather Service has confirmed so far that nine tornadoes touched down in North Texas this Sunday, the strongest of which moved through North Dallas with maximum wind speeds of 140 miles per hour.

No casualties or severe injuries due to the storms have been reported, but property damage was severe. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued on Monday a disaster declaration for 16 counties, and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued a local declaration of disaster.

“On-the-ground debris has made access to neighborhoods and equipment extremely difficult,” Oncor said in Tuesday’s press release. “In many areas, electric equipment is blocked or covered by large pieces of debris, which require time-consuming removal using special equipment. The complex and lengthy restoration process involves installing new utility poles, transformers, and power lines before energizing a neighborhood.”

Approximately 4,500 Oncor personnel and mutual assistance personnel from utility partners in Texas and other states are contributing to the restoration efforts.

Gulf Power Company sent 12 employees to Texas as part of a Damage Assessment Team that will help evaluate damage so that workers can begin restoration efforts in the area west of Dallas.

“We are happy to assist Oncor just as they came to Northwest Florida last year to help us following Hurricane Michael,” Gordon Paulus, Gulf Power spokesperson, said.

“Oncor recognizes the challenges customers face without power, especially after such devastating storms,” the company said. “We remain focused on restoring power as quickly and safely as possible.”