Strong storms barreled across the San Antonio area overnight, cutting electricity to thousands of homes and businesses by early Saturday and turning morning routines into a scramble. Residents woke up to darkened neighborhoods, flashing traffic signals and scattered tree damage as utility crews mobilized across the region.
As of 7:53 a.m., CPS Energy's outage map listed 370 active outages affecting 17,126 customers, with more than 12,300 of those in San Antonio and additional pockets in Bulverde and Castroville, according to MySA. Independent tracker PowerOutage.us showed roughly 18,800 customers without power across CPS Energy's footprint around the same time.
How crews are prioritizing repairs
CPS Energy said field teams are tackling the most urgent issues first, starting with public-safety hazards and the largest clusters of outages before moving to smaller, single-customer interruptions, according to CPS Energy. The utility warned that flooded roads and other hazardous conditions could stretch restoration times in some areas.
For reporting and status checks, CPS Energy's Outage Center offers an online outage map, phone numbers and an alert sign-up so customers can track when the lights might come back on.
Weather may complicate restoration
The National Weather Service is calling for more showers and storms through the day, which is not exactly the repair crews' dream forecast. Heat indices are expected to climb into the mid-90s to around 105 degrees, conditions that can slow outdoor work and increase heat-related health risks for residents stuck without air conditioning, according to the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio.
The agency's forecast discussion also flags the potential for additional heavy rain that could leave some roads impassable and further delay crews trying to reach damaged lines and equipment.
What to do if your power is out
If your power is still out, CPS Energy advises checking the outage map and signing up for outage alerts so you are not left guessing about restoration times. You can also report an outage by calling 210-353-HELP (4357), per CPS Energy.
The utility's Outage Center also lists places to stay cool, generator safety tips and guidance on steering clear of downed power lines while crews work to restore service.
Storms are part of a bigger pattern
This is not the first time this month that storms have knocked out the lights. On June 15 a separate line of storms cut power for more than 10,300 CPS Energy customers, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Repeated weather-driven outages are testing residents' patience, even as utility crews work to restore service as quickly and safely as the volatile conditions allow.
