CenterPoint Says 140,000+ Houston Customers Lose Power Amid Intense Thunderstorms
The CenterPoint power outage left more than 140,000 Houston residents without electricity as powerful thunderstorms swept through the region late Friday night. Heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds battered the area, causing widespread disruptions, fallen power lines, and damaged transformers. As the storms moved across southeast Texas, CenterPoint Energy crews were deployed around the clock to restore service and assess the extent of the damage.
The CenterPoint power outage underscores Houston’s growing vulnerability to sudden weather changes. With severe thunderstorm systems becoming more frequent, power interruptions have become a recurring challenge for both the utility provider and residents across the Greater Houston area.
Massive CenterPoint Power Outage Across Houston Neighborhoods
The CenterPoint power outage affected a wide stretch of Houston, including downtown, Spring Branch, Katy, Cypress, and Sugar Land. Some residents also reported flickering lights and voltage drops before full blackouts began. According to CenterPoint Energy’s outage tracker, more than 143,000 customers lost electricity at the peak of the storm.
By early Saturday morning, tens of thousands were still in the dark. Repair teams faced challenges due to flooded roads and downed trees, which blocked access to power lines. Despite difficult conditions, CenterPoint assured residents that restoration efforts were “fully underway.”
Thunderstorm Intensity Behind the Power Disruption
The thunderstorm that triggered the CenterPoint power outage developed rapidly on Friday evening. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported wind gusts exceeding 60 mph in certain parts of Harris County. Along with lightning strikes and flash flooding, the storm system caused significant strain on the city’s electric grid.
Meteorologists confirmed that the storm line moved eastward at high speed, leaving a path of damage across multiple Houston suburbs. Fallen branches and damaged poles were the main causes of the extended CenterPoint power outage overnight.
CenterPoint Energy’s Response to the Outage
CenterPoint Energy stated that repair crews and contractors were dispatched immediately after the storm hit. The company prioritized restoring power to critical infrastructure, including hospitals, emergency services, and water facilities. Crews were seen working through the night despite continued rain and dangerous conditions.
A spokesperson for CenterPoint said, “We understand how disruptive a power outage can be for our customers, especially during extreme weather. Our teams are working safely and efficiently to restore electricity as quickly as possible.”
The company urged customers to check its official outage map and avoid calling emergency lines unless there was a direct safety threat, such as a downed power line or electrical fire.
Safety Concerns During the CenterPoint Power Outage
As the thunderstorm caused the CenterPoint power outage, safety officials issued multiple warnings to residents. Houstonians were advised to stay indoors, avoid flooded streets, and treat all downed wires as live.
Fire departments across the region responded to several reports of electrical fires and carbon monoxide alarms triggered by improper generator use. Authorities reminded residents not to use gas-powered generators inside homes or garages, as this could lead to poisoning.
The City of Houston’s Emergency Management Office activated its severe weather protocol, coordinating with CenterPoint Energy to monitor outages and prioritize restoration in heavily affected areas.
Businesses and Schools Impacted by Power Loss
The CenterPoint power outage also hit several business districts in Houston. Restaurants, gas stations, and small stores were forced to close early as power systems and payment networks failed. Grocery chains with backup generators continued limited operations but struggled with refrigeration issues.
In addition, local schools in Harris County announced possible delays or closures, depending on the restoration timeline. With many residents still without power, online learning and remote work were disrupted across multiple neighborhoods.
Thunderstorm Brings Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
The intense thunderstorm not only caused power failures but also triggered flash floods in low-lying parts of the city. Several intersections became impassable, stranding vehicles and slowing emergency repair efforts.
The NWS recorded up to 4 inches of rainfall in parts of northwest Houston, with localized areas experiencing even higher totals. City crews worked to clear drains and remove debris to prevent further flooding as rainfall persisted overnight.
CenterPoint Urges Patience as Restoration Efforts Continue
While CenterPoint Energy successfully restored power to tens of thousands by Saturday afternoon, around 40,000 customers were still without electricity by early evening. The company stated that full restoration could take up to 48 hours in some regions, depending on the severity of the storm damage.
Crews are currently inspecting transmission lines and substations to ensure grid stability before reconnecting affected neighborhoods. The utility also emphasized that restoration times might vary based on the complexity of each repair site.
Community Response and Support Services
Houston’s community response was immediate. Local shelters and churches opened their doors to residents who lost power or needed temporary housing. The American Red Cross partnered with Houston Emergency Services to provide assistance to those affected by the CenterPoint power outage and severe thunderstorm.
Residents came together, offering phone charging stations, meals, and support for vulnerable neighbors. City officials praised the community’s resilience and cooperation during yet another challenging weather event.
What Residents Can Do During Future Power Outages
Experts advise that residents prepare for future CenterPoint power outage events by keeping emergency kits ready. Kits should include flashlights, extra batteries, non-perishable food, bottled water, and first-aid supplies.
It is also recommended to unplug electronics during storms to prevent damage from power surges. Staying informed through local news, weather apps, and CenterPoint’s updates can help families make quick decisions during emergencies.
Conclusion:
The CenterPoint power outage highlights the growing risks that thunderstorms pose to Houston’s power grid. With over 140,000 customers affected, the event underscores the importance of resilient energy infrastructure and rapid emergency response systems.
As storms continue to intensify across Texas, CenterPoint Energy faces the challenge of upgrading its grid while maintaining customer confidence. For residents, preparedness remains the key to safety during severe weather.
Despite the temporary disruption, Houston once again demonstrates its resilience. The combined efforts of emergency teams, utility workers, and community volunteers prove that even in the darkest hours, the city stands strong together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 140,000 customers across Houston lost electricity during the severe thunderstorm, according to CenterPoint Energy.
The CenterPoint power outage was caused by intense thunderstorms, strong winds, and heavy rain that damaged power lines and transformers.
CenterPoint Energy estimates that full restoration may take up to 48 hours, depending on the severity of damage and accessibility.
Residents can visit CenterPointEnergy.com or use the company’s mobile app for real-time updates on repair progress.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
