Texas, New Mexico Xcel customers may be without power for days. Here's what to know.
High winds, which brought gusts of up to 80 mph and low visibility, started to sweep through the area early Friday. This event has led to crashes and power outages across the region.
Ahead of the event, Xcel Energy warned customers that there could be Enhanced Powerline Safety Settings (EPSS) and a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) in the Panhandle area. These were implemented early Friday and cut power to 17,000 customers. However, outages have reached 67,639 by 3:43 p.m., according to Xcel's outage map.
"Extreme winds have caused significant damage to power lines in our Texas and New Mexico service areas, leaving about 65,000 Xcel Energy customers without power as of 2:30 p.m.," Xcel said in a 3 p.m. release on Friday. "High winds and wildfire risks are expected to continue, and crews are ready to restore power once it's safe. Restoration may take several days due to the damage."
After the winds have subsided, Xcel's crews need to inspect the entire length of their lines and make repairs before the power can return. Crews will be working through the weekend on the 2,500 miles of lines.
Xcel's outage map is updated every 10 minutes, and customers can check it for estimated restoration times at outagemap-xcelenergy.com/outagemap/?state=TX.
"We understand outages are challenging, and we appreciate your patience as crews continue to work to restore power to areas affected by this significant windstorm," Xcel said in the release.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Panhandle, Amarillo Xcel customers may be without power for days
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