Oncor responds to North Texas power outages as winter storm, freezing rain hit region
Following a winter storm that hit North Texas earlier in February and left thousands without power, another cold front joined by freezing rain and sleet triggered a winter storm warning in the region Wednesday and Thursday with the possibility for widespread power outages again.
As of Thursday morning, about 7:15 a.m., 630 Oncor customers were affected by outages, with many of those in Dallas County.
“We are closely monitoring and actively preparing for the arrival of a cold front anticipated to bring freezing temperatures and wintry precipitation,” the utility company said as the storm moved in. “Resources and personnel are being pre-positioned ahead of the severe weather arrival to ensure any necessary restoration work can begin as soon and as safely as possible.”
The winter storm was expected to come in two rounds, the National Weather Service said, with the first round of precipitation developing Wednesday as it traveled through the area throughout the day.
“Freezing rain, occasionally mixed with sleet, is expected along and northwest of a line from Comanche to Dallas to Paris where ice accumulations may exceed a tenth of an inch,” the weather service said. “The second round will develop Wednesday night and move east throughout the day Thursday. More widespread freezing rain is expected with this round before it ends Thursday night. Bridges and overpasses will be the first to freeze, but main road surfaces may become icy as well, particularly north and west of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex.”
North Texas residents are advised to stay away from any downed power lines and report any outages by texting OUT to 66267, downloading the MyOncor App or using its website, or calling at 888-313-4747.
This story was originally published February 23, 2022 at 10:14 AM.
