Power Outages Could Continue Overnight and into Tuesday in Sulphur Springs
Power continues to be out in some areas in town and around the Sulphur Springs and Hopkins County area, including downtown, leaving many without power. Encore has advised city officials that the power may continue to be out through the night and tomorrow; no estimate is available as to when the power will be restored. Thus, a warming station is now open at the Civic Center for those without warmth.
Initially, blackouts were staged throughout the area. However, there have been some areas that have been without power for a while. According to the latest Oncor update, “the length of controlled outages have been significantly extended due to the current emergency grid conditions and severe cold weather. These outages are taking place across the service territory and ERCOT has said they could be required through Tuesday. We are asking all Oncor customers to be prepared to be without power for an extended period of time. In addition, we are responding to separate outages caused by the record-breaking winter storm that continues to impact our entire service territory. Customers do not need to report their outages at this time. We are doing everything possible to respond to each of these power emergency events. We remain in close coordination with ERCOT and we appreciate everyone’s patience as we do all we can to protect the integrity of the Texas grid.”
Hopkins County Civic Center has just been opened by emergency officials at just before 5 p.m. Monday, Feb. 15 as a warming station. People don’t have electricity for a period of time and heat can go to the Civic Center to get warm. The facility will remain open as long as the power remains out and it is needed during the winter weather, according to Sulphur Springs Police Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator Jason Ricketson.
Those who do seek warmth at the Civic Center are asked to bring their own blankets and nonperishable foods items or snacks to eat, and something to do to pass the time while there such as a book, cards or other things. The Banquet hall is open for people. Those with pets may bring them, provided the pet can be secured, preferably in a pet taxi, in the Civic Center Arena.
Those do have sufficient sources of warmth and can stay home are asked to do so if possible. Those who do venture out are reminded the roads do still have accumulation of snow on them and can be slick and slippery. When driving, go slow and don’t slam on the brakes to avoid sliding onto the side of the road.
“Building owners and residents may wish to shut off water to avoid flooding after pipes thaw,” City Manager Marc Maxwell recommends.
