Utility crews from Oncor are pressing ahead with power restoration across Texas after most of the winter storm Fern’s precipitation cleared the region on Sunday, with the storm’s lowest temperatures arriving early Monday.
There were 382 active outages affecting 8,997 customers as of 9:32 a.m. on Monday throughout Oncor’s service area.
Outage counts continue to shift throughout the day amid ongoing repairs and new disruptions, a common pattern in winter storms, where ice buildup on lines, cold-induced equipment strain, or falling tree limbs coated in ice can trigger new problems.
Restoration estimates aren’t provided for every site, but crews are operating in 16-hour rotations to address the issues.
The hardest-hit areas include Cherokee, Angelina, and Nacogdoches counties, along with nearby parts of East Texas, where ice accumulation has caused the bulk of the outages. Oncor has shifted workers from less-affected parts of its territory to bolster efforts in the region.
Extended frigid conditions, combined with heightened electricity demand, are putting pressure on the grid, potentially leading to further interruptions. Despite thorough winter preparations, unexpected equipment failures can arise, prompting the company to position additional supplies for distribution to field teams as required.
More than 10,000 Oncor employees and contractors, including damage assessors, line technicians, and vegetation management specialists, are involved in the response.
Icy roads continue to pose serious travel risks, and the utility is urging residents to avoid nonessential trips to allow clear passage for repair vehicles and emergency services. Crews are proceeding cautiously under these conditions to reach affected spots promptly and securely.
Oncor is asking customers to notify them of any outages right away, as reports help pinpoint downstream repairs on lines serving residences and commercial properties.
Storms like this can also harm customer-owned electrical components, such as meter bases or weatherheads, requiring a qualified electrician to fix them before power can be safely restored. The utility cannot handle repairs on equipment it doesn’t own.
Employee and public safety is Oncor’s top concern.
Key precautions include staying informed through local news, using various alert methods, looking in on neighbors, especially the elderly or at-risk individuals, and signing up for MyOncor Alerts by texting REG to 66267, using the MyOncor app, or following the company on Facebook and X.
If a power line is down, maintain distance, ensure others — including pets– do likewise, and dial 911 at once.
For warming stations run by local authorities, check tdem.texas.gov/warm, noting that details may vary; call 211 or visit city and county sites for updates.
The TDEM Disaster Portal offers resources for individuals and families.
Even skilled motorists can skid on ice, with braking distances extending up to 10 times and sudden slides possible. Essential travelers should review conditions at DriveTexas.org, consult the TXDOT winter driving safety guide, and exercise heightened care on bridges, ramps, overpasses, and shaded spots that ice over earliest.
