Strong winds trigger scattered power outages across San Antonio as CPS Energy crews work restorations

Winds and storm impacts leave pockets of San Antonio without electricity

Strong winds moving through the San Antonio area triggered scattered power outages, prompting CPS Energy to deploy repair crews and urge residents to prioritize safety around electrical hazards. The utility has advised the public to treat all downed lines as energized and to avoid attempting to move or drive over them.

Wind-driven outages typically occur when gusts push tree limbs into distribution lines, cause debris strikes, or lead to equipment faults on local circuits. In San Antonio, much of the distribution network is exposed to the elements, which can increase vulnerability during periods of high wind, lightning, or heavy rain. Outage patterns are often highly localized, with some neighborhoods affected while adjacent areas remain powered due to the way circuits are segmented.

What CPS Energy is asking customers to do

CPS Energy has emphasized both reporting and personal safety steps as restorations continue. Residents can help speed response by promptly reporting outages and hazards, while avoiding actions that could put them at risk.

• Report outages through the CPS Energy Outage Center or by calling 210-353-HELP (4357).
• Stay away from downed power lines and report them immediately; do not touch or attempt to relocate them.
• Keep phones charged and have flashlights and spare batteries available.
• Unplug sensitive electronics to reduce the risk of damage from power surges when service returns.
• Use generators outdoors only and avoid using gas stoves to heat indoor spaces.

How restoration decisions are typically made

Utilities generally prioritize repairs that restore service to the largest number of customers first, as well as repairs tied to critical infrastructure and public safety hazards. That can mean some smaller, more isolated outages take longer, especially if crews must address multiple damaged locations, replace hardware, or wait for conditions to safely improve.

CPS Energy has repeatedly warned that downed lines may remain energized even when an area is experiencing an outage, and the safest assumption is to treat every wire as live.

Context: recent large outage events highlight weather sensitivity

San Antonio’s power system has faced repeated weather-driven disruptions in recent years. During a major winter-weather episode in late January 2026, CPS Energy said approximately 27,000 customers were impacted simultaneously at the peak, and the utility later reported that all related outages had been restored. In March 2025, storms and high wind gusts were cited in a separate event that affected tens of thousands of customers across hundreds of active outages.

For the current wind-related outages, CPS Energy continues to direct customers to its outage map and alert system for restoration updates, while reminding motorists to move over or slow down near crews working roadside.