CPS Energy crews working to restore power after three storms with more than 5,000 lightning strikes moved through service area; City opens Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center to Operate as a Shelter

Restoration efforts will continue through weekend; alternate shelter recommended for those still without power

SAN ANTONIO (May 29, 2021) – CPS Energy crews are continuing to restore power to customers following three back-to-back severe thunderstorms that began Friday night and continued into the early morning hours of Saturday, May 29, 2021. Collectively, the storms produced more than 5,000 lightning strikes and high winds that reached 77 miles per hour (MPH) in some areas, bringing down tree limbs onto power lines and damaging transformers and other utility infrastructure that led to about 33,000 sustained customer outages at peak. Currently, there are 331 outages affecting 7,624 customers across Greater San Antonio. CPS Energy responded to 137 wire down orders caused by the storms. Customers are reminded to be safe around downed power lines and to treat any downed line as if its live. Keep your distance from downed power lines and don’t touch it. Report any downed power line by calling (210) 353-4357 (HELP).

If you are currently without power, CPS Energy recommends seeking overnight shelter as the restoration process will continue through the weekend. Restoration focus is on larger outages to bring the most customers back online first. This will take time as the storm caused significant damage to trees and equipment.

The City of San Antonio has opened the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as a shelter for residents continuing to experience power outages.

The Convention Center will open at 9:30 p.m. Free parking is available in the Convention Center Garage. Shelter attendees should plan to bring any clothes, supplies and medications needed. Water and snacks will be provided, and pets are welcome.

Residents in need of transportation assistance can contact 311 for assistance. Those with medical needs and in need of shelter should also call 311 for arrangements.

Text SHELTER to 55000 to receive shelter information and updates.

A chance of storms remains in the forecast for the next five days. The grounds are saturated and that creates a challenge and takes longer for crews as they work in easements trying to clear trees from power lines and restore outages.

Customers can stay aware of power outages by checking out CPS Energy’s interactive Outage Map and following the utility on Facebook and Twitter. We thank our community for their patience as our crews are working as quickly as they can to restore power safely.

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