Traffic on FM 2920 in north Harris County hit a sudden standstill Wednesday after a live power line came crashing down across the westbound lanes, damaging a semi-truck and forcing deputies to block off the area while utility crews rushed in.
Harris County Precinct 4 deputies set up a safety perimeter and warned drivers to steer clear as the line lay across the roadway near a busy commercial strip. Officials urged motorists to avoid the stretch while crews worked to secure the scene and clear the hazard.
In a Facebook alert, the constable's office said the line was live on the westbound side of FM 2920 near Bridgestone to Rhodes, close to La Michoacana, and that deputies were monitoring the scene while utility workers were on the way. The post noted that a semi-truck sustained damage when the wire came down, according to Constable Mark Herman's Office.
Even when a downed power line is not sparking, it can still be energized, and experts stress that people should never assume a fallen wire is safe. Guidance from FirstEnergy advises calling 911 immediately and warns against trying to move or touch a downed line or anything in contact with it.
Where It Happened And Traffic Impacts
The hazard is located on the westbound side of FM 2920 between Bridgestone and Rhodes, close to the La Michoacana market, where deputies have been directing traffic around the downed line. Drivers have been urged to use extreme caution, expect delays, or take alternate routes while crews work to make the roadway safe, according to Constable Mark Herman's Office.
How To Stay Safe
Safety officials say that if your vehicle comes into contact with a downed power line, the safest move is usually to stay put inside the vehicle and call for help. Only attempt to get out if there is an immediate danger such as fire, and then jump clear without touching the car and ground at the same time, landing with both feet together and shuffling away. FirstEnergy recommends staying at least 30 feet away from downed distribution lines and notes that nearby metal, fences, puddles, or other conductive materials can become energized.
Reporting And Travel Alternatives
Residents who lose power or spot related hazards can report outages and check estimated restoration times through CenterPoint Energy's outage tracker. For updates on the roadway closure and repair progress, drivers can monitor Harris County Precinct 4's social channels, including the constable's Facebook post that first alerted the public to the live wire across FM 2920.
