Texas, New Mexico Xcel customers may be without power for days. Here's what to know.
More than 65,000 Xcel Energy customers across the Texas Panhandle, South Plains and New Mexico may be without power "for several days," according to a Friday afternoon update from Xcel.
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
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
4 days ago
- CBS News
PG&E power shutoffs likely for parts of Northern California Thursday through Sunday
Elevated wildfire concerns have prompted PG&E to issue a likely Public Safety Power Shutoff warning for parts of Northern and Central California into the weekend. The possible shutoffs are expected to start Thursday as significant wind gusts forecasted to hit the region. PG&E's website lists that shutoffs are likely to happen from Thursday through Sunday. Which counties could be impacted by the PSPS? Parts of the following counties are listed under the likely shutoff warning, according to PG&E: Alameda Contra Costa Fresno Merced Monterey Napa San Benito San Joaquin San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara Santa Clara Shasta Sonoma Stanislaus Wind gusts are expected to be up to 60 mph in the Eastern Bay Area, and around 45 mph in the northwest Sacramento Valley and Salinas Valley foothills.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Top Evening News Headlines for Monday, June 16
It's Monday June 16th. We've seen nothing but rain, rain, and more rain. We may continue to see rainfall until Thursday. Here are your top news headlines: Homicide investigation underway after a woman was found dead in a car in Odenton Partial Bay Bridge closure
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Yahoo
Wildfires in Gila National Forest force road closures, evacuations
The Meadow Fire, Buck Fire and Trout Fire are burning in the Gila National Forest. The Trout and Meadow fires are consuming acreage just north of silver City, New Mexico, near Highway 15. The Trout Fire had grown to over 2,000 acres by June 13 after igniting June 12. The fire's growth was driven by wind and dry conditions, burning through timber, brush and grass. The Meadow Fire ignited June 11 and was reported around 9 acres on June 12. Firefighters were working to establish containment. Officials said the fire was burning through pine and oak trees and scrub grass. The Buck Fire is burning southeast of Aragon, also in the Gila National Forest. The fire was reported June 11 and is suspected to be caused by lightning. As of June 13 the fire had burned 16,000 acres. Portions of the Gila National Forest were closed to the public as a precaution, as the Trout Fire continues to grow. More: Largest wildfires in New Mexico history In a news release June 13, the U.S. Forest Service announced closures south and west of New Mexico Highway 35, north of Allie Canyon Trail, the continental Divide National Scenic Trail, Signal Peak and Tadpole Ridge trails and east of Sheep Corral Canyon. A "Go" order was issued to those living along the western end of New Mexico Highway 35 from Sapillo Campground to the intersection of Highway 15/35. Road closures include NM 15 northbound and southbound from mile marker 17, 10 miles north of Pinos Altos to mile marker 22, 15 miles north of Pinos Altos, according to the New Mexico Dept. of Transportation. New Mexico 35 eastbound from mile marker 27, 0.5 miles south of NM 15 to mile marker 19, 8 miles south of NM 15 are to be used for evacuations only. Wildfire smoke map: Track fires and ref flag warnings across the US This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Gila National Forest wildfires cause evacuations, road closures
