AEP Texas crews are assessing damage after Hurricane Nicholas made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane near Matagorda, Texas, late Monday night. Damaged transmission lines and at least 13 substations are currently offline and have caused power outages throughout Matagorda County.

Damage assessment teams will continue to identify downed utility poles, power lines and other safety hazards as crews begin the restoration process today. These assessments help determine estimated times of restoration (ETRs). Additional crews are in the area to assist with the restoration effort.

At 10 a.m., the areas experiencing the highest amounts of customer outages are as follows:
Palacios-1,600
Port Lavaca-260
Matagorda-1,400
Wadsworth-270
Markham-500
Bay City and the immediate surrounding area-9,300
El Campo-150

SAFETY FIRST

All power lines should be considered energized and dangerous. Because of the likelihood that the storm caused many lines to fall, customers are asked to keep their children and pets inside.  To report a fallen power line or utility pole, call 1-866-223-8508. 

Our next update is scheduled for 3 p.m. Please visit AEPTexas.com and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the most current updates.

                                                                       ###