As of midnight Wednesday evening, AEP Texas crews were continuing to efforts to restore power to approximately 12,300 customers in San Angelo and surrounding communities as severe weather characterized by high winds and lightening swept through the area.  Additional service crews and support are currently traveling to the area and are expected to arrive Friday morning. The total number of outages in the area reached over 21,000 earlier in the evening.

High winds have damaged numerous transmission and distribution structures and resulted in down power lines.  The highest concentration of outages is centered in the north and east sections of San Angelo; however, other surrounding areas also are experiencing outages, particularly Ballinger, Miles, Eola and Beribest.

Where possible, crews switched circuits to restore power to as many customers as possible this evening while work continues to assess damage and make repairs.   Efforts to restore power for some customers is expected to continue through the evening and Friday, depending on the location and the extent of damages.

In the meantime, AEP Texas asks customers seeing any downed power lines to call (866) 223-8508.  If at all possible, please give the Meter Number or EasyID number posted on the most recent electric bill.  Please remember to stay away from any downed power lines as they may be electrified.

AEP Texas will be posting further updates in the News and Information section of its website at www.aeptexas.com.

Concho Valley Electric Cooperative has contacted AEP Texas indicating that the electric cooperative also is experiencing outages but also had lost it communications capabilities as of 10 p.m.  This means Concho Valley Electric Cooperative customers may have difficulty calling the cooperative.