Powerful winds left many North Texans in the dark Thursday as power poles and lines snapped. Now crews from out of state are on the way to help make repairs. Meredith Yeomans reports.
A Wind Advisory has now been extended until midnight with sustained winds of 25 to 30 mph expected and gusts to 50 mph. Be sure to secure any loose objects. The winds will decrease a bit Friday, but it'll still be breezy.
The winds have knocked limbs into power lines, leading to power outages across the Metroplex while also delaying roughly 160 arrivals and departures at area airports.
As of 5 p.m., Oncor said the strong winds are being blamed for roughly 3,500 power outages affecting roughly 106,000 customers Thursday. Just after 1 p.m., the number of outages reported was about 1,100.
By 9:30 p.m., the number of outages was around 2,600 with 51,000 customers affected.
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Oncor Electric said they have response teams actively responding to reports of outages related to wind gusts. Falling limbs can bring down power lines and Oncor reminds everyone that if a power line is down to leave the area immediately and call 911.
Thursday evening, Oncor said it crews, resources and contractors from areas not impacted by the wind storm have been mobilized to make repairs and restore outages. In addition, the company said contractors from adjoining states and Alabama and Missouri have been deployed.
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No matter who your provider is, to report outages to Oncor call 888-313-4747 or text OUT to 66267. North Texans can also use the MyOncor app or select “Report an Outage” located above the map.
The power outages knocked out power to several traffic signals in Carrollton, prompting police to tweet out a warning to drivers near Hebron and Texas 121.
Many cities reported traffic signals out and downed trees.
The Dallas Police Department shut down the 1500 block of Elm Street after reports of falling debris from a nearby building had fallen onto the street, according to a tweet from Deputy Chief Israel Herrera.
A structure on the ninth-floor pool deck of The National high-rise residences was on the edge after being blown from high winds earlier in the afternoon, according to the Dallas Fire Department.
It is unknown what falling debris caused the street closure and no injuries were reported.
In Fort Worth, a light pole and power lines landed on the minivan of a woman driving home with her two dogs.
"At first, I was like in shock and I didn't really know and then all the sudden I seen the wires dangling and that's what scared me because it was right there at my driver side window," said Sandra Pena.
In Plano, wicked wind gusts shredded Spooky Alley, a haunted house for kids, causing the creators to cancel three days before Halloween.
In nearby central Plano neighborhoods, decorations were toppled over in front yards by strong wind.
"I think the wind started at 3 a.m. two nights ago and it just hasn't let off so we haven't been able to set anything back up yet," said homeowner Tavis Westbrook.
A Wind Advisory is expected to expire Thursday night. The winds will decrease a bit Friday, but it'll still be breezy. Get the latest forecast from NBC 5's Team of Weather Experts here.
