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CenterPoint Energy says ‘nested outages’ could be causing delays for some Houstonians without power

ABC13 Houston
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CenterPoint Energy says ‘nested outages’ could be causing delays for some Houstonians without power

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — As power returns to communities across southeast Texas, many people may learn that it’s not just power lines that are causing problems for their homes.

Despite power being restored for over 840,000 CenterPoint Energy customers since last Thursday’s destructive storm, more than 72,000 Houston-area customers were still in the dark on Wednesday morning.

According to CenterPoint, some people may receive a notification that electric service was restored in their neighborhood, even though they’re still without power. Officials said a number of issues could cause that, including a “nested outage.”

ABC13 Anchor Jeff Ehling spoke to a licensed electrician about the issue and how much a fix can cost.

SEE ALSO: Massive restoration means a massive cost, and energy experts said customers may see an increase

A “nested outage” happens when power is restored to equipment serving your area, but your home is impacted by a more localized issue that is still causing an outage. Customers could be on a different circuit than their neighbors with a different level of damage, have a damaged line fuse or transformer, or possibly have a tree or other debris on the customer-owned service line that runs directly to their homes.

Licensed Electrician Gilbert Soliz said homeowners should also check their weatherhead, which is the point where power enters the home. It is typically a pipe located on the roof.

If the Weatherhead is damaged, it’s the customer’s responsibility to get it fixed.

Video Game Rentals Delivered

RELATED: CenterPoint Energy launches interactive map to check estimated day of restoration in your area

The interactive, color-coded map lets users zoom into areas across the city and even enter specific addresses to see each area’s estimated date of power restoration.

“Just the typical weatherhead that just broke off of there and the wire, all this pipe, is still in tact. You might be talking about $200 to $300 dollars,” Soliz said. “But if you have to replace a whole service it can be anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 dollars. Easy.”

Soliz said the repair could take a couple of days. He also said you should ask for licenses when hiring a contractor, so you know the work will be done right.

For more on this story, follow Jeff Ehling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Law enforcement sees uptick in crime in areas impacted by severe storm

ABC13 Houston
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Law enforcement sees uptick in crime in areas impacted by severe storm

WALLER, Texas (KTRK) — Law enforcement told ABC13 they expect to see an uptick in break-ins and robberies after natural disasters like the storm that swept across southeast Texas last week. Multiple law enforcement agencies have confirmed that this expectation has played out across our area.

“Criminals, when there’s no power, alarms, or surveillance, crime is going to rise. I never would have thought it would happen here,” Morgan Villanueva, the owner of Waller tanning salon Faux Glo, said.

Armed with a crowbar and taking advantage of a major storm distracting the rest of Waller, a man broke into multiple businesses, looking for his payday.

“It’s very upsetting,” Villanueva said.

SEE ALSO: Houston windstorm victim assistance: Where to get food, shelter and other services

Villanueva was shocked Monday morning to find her business burglarized, the front door smashed, and the suspect on video rummaging through her store.

“I was like, ‘What are you going to steal from a tanning salon?’ And he walked off with an iPhone that could be tracked and an iPad that could be tracked,” Villanueva said.

Because of the additional break-ins, the city of Waller imposed a curfew from midnight to 6 a.m., which will run through the end of the week. The curfew kicked up a bit of controversy, but Villanueva says if it stops other businesses being broken into, she’s for it. Waller Mayor Danny Marburger also stood behind the decision.

“It’s just to try and slow down anybody that didn’t have any business in those two areas where people are either still not at home or they’ve left to get with relatives until the electricity comes back,” Marburger said.

According to the mayor, the curfew led to police stopping a man who they believed was responsible for the tanning salon break-in on Monday night. He was arrested.

In Houston, HPD said it has also seen an uptick in break-ins in areas without power.

“At night, the burglaries have gone up as expected. But we have a number of officers on patrol, we’ve made a number of arrests, so we’re doing a great job on that as well,” Ray Leon, HPD commander of the Northwest Division, said.

It’s a common side effect of natural disasters that Villanueva can’t wrap her head around.

“This is what feeds my babies at home, and it provides a home for me,” Villanueva said.

For more news updates, follow Lileana Pearson on Facebook, X and Instagram.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

Klein Fire Department crews responding to small plane crash at Hooks Airport, officials say

ABC13 Houston
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Klein Fire Department crews responding to small plane crash at Hooks Airport, officials say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Crews are responding to a small plane crash at Hooks Airport in northwest Harris County Tuesday morning.

According to the Klein Fire Department, a rescue was underway for two remaining people on board after one passenger and two dogs had been rescued. Everyone has since been reported safe.

Officials said the Taxiway Mike is shut down as crews work to clear the incident.

SkyEye flew over the scene, where the aircraft could be seen in water. There have been no reported injuries.

The cause of the crash is unclear.

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

CenterPoint Energy launches new interactive map to check estimated day of restoration in your area

ABC13 Houston
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CenterPoint Energy launches new interactive map to check estimated day of restoration in your area

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — CenterPoint Energy is hard at work to get the lights back on for thousands of Houstonians still in the dark following Thursday’s destructive storm.

Overnight, they made significant progress, though as of Tuesday morning, 145,000 customers are still in the dark for the fifth day in a row, according to the CenterPoint Energy Outage Tracker.

Approximately 197,000 customers had their power restored in the last 24 hours. Officials said more than 770,000 customers have had their power restored since Thursday.

In addition to the outage tracker, CenterPoint also launched a new interactive, color-coded map where users can zoom into areas across the city and even enter specific addresses to see each area’s estimated date of restoration.

A screenshot shows the areas highlighted in the new CenterPoint Energy map. Users can zoom into the map on CenterPoint’s website

A screenshot shows the areas highlighted in the new CenterPoint Energy map. Users can zoom into the map on CenterPoint’s website.

CenterPoint expects to restore about 90% of the outages by Tuesday evening.

READ MORE: CenterPoint expects 90% of customer outages restored by Tuesday evening

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

How to get help from FEMA if you were impacted by last week’s destructive storms

ABC13 Houston
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How to get help from FEMA if you were impacted by last week’s destructive storms

FEMA is offering new disaster assistance to Texans recovering from last week’s destructive storm and last month’s flooding.

The agency said assistance is available for residents in Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity, and Walker counties.

FEMA says if you suffered damage due to the storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding that began April 26, you may qualify for a one-time $750 payment per household through their Serious Need Assistance (SNA) program.

Officials said this payment would be in addition to any other assistance. It can be used toward water, food, first aid, breast-feeding supplies, infant formula, diapers, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

To qualify for SNA, you must tell FEMA on your application that you are displaced, need shelter, or have other emergency costs due to the disaster.

A second new benefit is FEMA’s Displacement Assistance. That includes money to help with housing needs if you can’t return home because of the disaster. Residents can use the money to stay in a hotel, with family and friends or other options.

Both the Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance require an inspection to confirm eligibility before applicants receive funds.

You may be eligible for additional help if:

  • You complete a FEMA application;
  • FEMA can confirm your identity;
  • The home where you live most of the year is in a declared disaster area;
  • FEMA confirms the disaster damage from an inspection or documents you send, and;
  • You apply for FEMA assistance while Serious Needs Assistance and Displacement Assistance are available.

Residents can apply at DisasterAssistance.gov, on the FEMA app, or by calling the FEMA helpline at 1-800-621-3362.

If you prefer to talk to FEMA representatives in person, you can visit two centers from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Fonde Community Center

110 Sabine St.

Houston, TX 77007

Spring Branch Family Development Center

8575 Pitner Road

Houston, TX 77080

This is again for impacted residents of Harris, Liberty, Montgomery, Polk, San Jacinto, Trinity and Walker counties who have been affected by recent severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes and flooding.

No appointment is needed, but you should have ready the following information:

  • Social security number
  • Address of the damaged property
  • Description of the damage
  • Information about insurance coverage
  • Current contact telephone number
  • Address where you can receive mail
  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of funds

RELATED: Want to help Houston storm victims? Here’s how to bring comfort and hope

Officials say one thing to look out for – that disasters often bring out – is scammers, who tend to pose as official disaster aid workers or federal agents.

The scammers will try to help you complete your application for FEMA relief, but in the process, they steal your private information.

FEMA urges everyone impacted by the severe weather to make sure the inspector who comes to your home or business is actually from the agency.

Harris County Judge Line Hidalgo gave a similar warning during a press conference Sunday.

“They will be wearing FEMA shirts like we have the FEMA representative wearing here,” she said. “They will have official badges. They’re not going to be in marked cars because they probably have a rental car or something like that.”

Authorities said you can always call the agency to confirm an inspector’s identity. They also reminded residents that inspectors will not come to their homes unless they have submitted an application and will never ask for money.

For more information on federal assistance, visit the FEMA website.

SEE ALSO: Houston windstorm victim assistance: Where to get food, shelter and other services

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

1st Houston storm-related lawsuit alleges failures after deadly crane collapse

ABC13 Houston
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1st Houston storm-related lawsuit alleges failures after deadly crane collapse

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A man who survived a crane collapse that killed another man has filed the first lawsuit following last week’s deadly storm.

Crosby Ware, 66, suffered severe head, neck, and back injuries, according to attorney Kevin Haynes of Kherkher Garcia, LLP.

Ware is suing Sesco Cement, ASI Industrial, Lampson International, and McRay Crane & Rigging, all of which operate in the 7300 block of Wingate along the Houston Ship Channel.

The high winds toppled two cranes at the job site on the evening of May 16 as the storm was rolling through Houston. A video circulating on social media shows the unsteady and chaotic moments. Workers ran for their lives.

One crane hit two occupied cement trucks. Juan Francisco Hernandez, 72, was killed by a direct hit. What appears to be cabling from the crane hit Ware’s cab.

“It just threw his body around violently and severely hurt him,” Haynes said. “He is lucky to be alive.”

According to the lawsuit, the companies’ “gross negligence and conscious decision to value profits over safety” resulted in “catastrophic” injuries. Winds are believed to have been between 90 and 100 mph.

“Our position is, at the minimum, the crane should have been cradled, and the guys should have been in a muster area to render them safe if not completely shut down,” Haynes said.

The location where the incident happened is Sesco’s national headquarters, according to its website.

Online Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) records show Sesco was fined nearly $100,000 in 2021 for various health and safety violations at the location. Sesco did not respond to a request for comment.

Hernandez’s family is represented by The Pinkerton Law Firm.

On Monday, SkyEye captured the two cranes still lying where they fell. Ware’s attorneys also filed a temporary restraining order to preserve the scene.

For more on this story, follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, X and Instagram.

SEE ALSO: Mom of 4 moving SUV during storm among at least 8 killed during Thursday’s severe weather

Water, ice, food distribution center opens through Wednesday in Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club campus

Indira Zaldivar
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Water, ice, food distribution center opens through Wednesday in Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club campus

With at least 8,000 Spring Branch residents without power, local officials invite Spring Branch residents to cool down in buses and pick up water, food, and ice.

By Indira Zaldivar & Edward Saenz

The Spring Branch community in Precinct 4 is struggling to recover from Thursday’s derecho event as they are without power since Thursday as of Monday morning.

As a result, Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones in partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the Houston Food Bank opened a water, ice and food distribution center on Monday at the Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club located at 8575 Pitner Rd, Houston, TX 77080. 

“There are 8,000 people without power just in this immediate area,” Briones said during the press conference. “There’s 900 children under the age of 5 in this immediate area without power right here in the Pitner Road area.”

Local officials reported at least 50 apartment units left “completely unlivable” in the east Spring Branch area.

The Houston Food Bank will provide ice, water, fruit, and snacks to impacted residents “no questions asked,” assured Briones. 

The center will be open for distribution Monday, May 20 – Wednesday, May 22, and will operate from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Houston Mayor John Whitmire said that METRO buses will park onsite to serve as cooling buses. Mobile clinics are also onsite. 

“You don’t need to suffer in the heat; we have cooling centers around the county distribution sites for food and water and ice,” Briones told Que Onda Magazine following the press conference.

“We’re here for you, we will keep working until every single person has power and until all the debris is picked up.”

The Spring Branch, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove communities were particularly hard hit by Thursday’s devastating storm. As of Monday morning, Spring Branch residents have struggled without power since Thursday. 

“All of our food has gone bad,” said Spring Branch resident Judy Diaz who has been without power since Thursday. 

The Diaz household has one generator cooling down one room which is incurring them to “run out of money.”

“We just came over to get some ice and water. You run out of money in situations like this having to buy gas for generators twice or three times a day. It’s hard but we’ve been through something like this before but we’re trying to get through it.”

Despite having to deal with their own storm debris such as their fallen fence and branches, Diaz and her husband said they are helping their neighbors. 

“Neighbors helping neighbors, that’s the way it’s got to be.”

The commissioner also gave instructions for residents facing struggles:

  • Call 3-1-1 for all non-emergency needs or Harris County Precinct 4: 832-927-4444
  • Remain vigilant when you’re driving as many traffic lights are still out. 
  • “The debris if you can help us get on to the curb please clear the roads, we will come for the debris,” Briones said. 
  • For trauma and mental health support call the Harris Center for Mental Health line: 713-970-7000.

“Please if there’s anything you can do to supplement what the city and the county and METRO are doing,” Briones said, “ we welcome you.”

For more cooling centers around the city and county, please view our previous article: 

Cooling centers, water & ice distribution, local and federal assistance available for those impacted by severe storm

Cooling centers, water & ice distribution, local and federal assistance available for those impacted by severe storm

Una advertencia para Houston: Cómo prevenir el golpe de calor a medida que las temperaturas comienzan a subir a los tres dígitos

ABC13 Houston
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Una advertencia para Houston: Cómo prevenir el golpe de calor a medida que las temperaturas comienzan a subir a los tres dígitos

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston está comenzando a secarse después de un período de clima severo e inundaciones, ¡pero eso significa que está haciendo más calor!

Esta semana, la temperatura está en los 90 grados; cuando se tiene en cuenta la humedad, se sentirá más cerca de los 100 grados. Un médico de emergencia del Memorial Hermann Memorial City advierte a las personas que presten atención a sus cuerpos.

Los signos de agotamiento por calor incluyen sudoración intensa y un pulso rápido, que alertan que su cuerpo se está sobrecalentando. También puede experimentar calambres musculares, fatiga, dolor de cabeza o mareos. Sin embargo, un golpe de calor es mucho más grave. Ocurre cuando la temperatura de su cuerpo supera los 104 grados y comienza a sentirse confundido.
Para evitar estas condiciones, los expertos recomiendan usar ropa holgada y de colores claros y limitar el tiempo al aire libre durante el día. Tenga en cuenta que el calor suele ser más intenso entre las 4 p.m. y las 6 p.m.

Si no puede evitar estar al aire libre por períodos prolongados, es esencial encontrar un área fresca para descansar y tomar descansos frecuentes. También es extremadamente importante nunca dejar a un niño o animal en un vehículo por ningún período de tiempo.

Los niños pueden sobrecalentarse cuatro veces más rápido que los adultos. Siempre revise su automóvil antes de salir para asegurarse de que no haya nadie adentro.

El Dr. Joshua Feinstein dijo que la mayoría de las personas afectadas por el calor necesitan líquidos, alimentos y descanso en temperaturas más frescas. Sin embargo, advirtió que la enfermedad repetida por calor puede llevar a una lesión grave por calor.

“Si esas mismas personas repiten ese esfuerzo al aire libre y no se mantienen hidratadas, y tal vez hacen demasiado la segunda vez que lo hacen en un corto período de tiempo, empeora aún más”, dijo.

También es importante mantenerse hidratado. Si está expuesto al aire libre, debe beber alrededor de ocho onzas de agua cada 20 minutos. Esto ayudará con la pérdida de humedad que experimentará al sudar.

También se aconseja a las personas que eviten bebidas altas en cafeína y azúcar.

Para actualizaciones sobre esta historia, siga a Briana Conner en Facebook, X e Instagram.

Disfrutan 90 mil personas a Carín León en MacroFest en Nuevo León

Que Onda Editorial
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Disfrutan 90 mil personas a Carín León en MacroFest en Nuevo León

El cuarto MacroFest del 2024 aplaude y canta a Carín León, celebrando el Bicentenario de Nuevo León.

Por Alejandro González

Carin León imprimió su estilo en Nuevo León para conquistar con sus éxitos a los regios que rompieron récord de asistencia en la Explanada de Los Héroes en una edición más del MacroFest.
 
El gran escenario de La Macro recibió el cuarto MacroFest de 2024 que, en el marco de los 200 años de Nuevo León fue un magnífico escenario que dio el encuadre perfecto para cantar con la multitud que se dio cita.
 
La nueva edición de esta gran tradición de convivencia familiar, diseñada para todas las edades y públicos tuvo la participación de elencos que se unieron a esta gran fiesta popular, convocada por el Gobierno del Estado de Nuevo León.
 
Desde la tarde, conjuntando música y ritmo, entró al escenario La Costumbre, con sus éxitos Quiero decirte, Cómo olvidarte, Y ya después, así como Adoro y Cuanto te amo.
 
Posteriormente, tomaron el control del escenario Braulio Mata, Kakalo y Calín, complaciendo al público con sus canciones: Te lo pido por favor, Ni tú ni nadie, De piedra a papel, Pongámonos de acuerdo, y Te dejo por La Paz, entre muchas otras.
 
Carín León, que recientemente abrió un concierto de los Rolling Stones en Arizona, fue recibido con una estruendosa ovación, particularmente por sus fanáticos que desde primera hora de la mañana de este domingo se hicieron presentes para estar en primera fila frente al imponente escenario.
 
Al sonar las primeras notas de sus canciones, todas las voces se unieron para corearlas. Te vi con él, Soñador eterno, Qué más puedo pedir, Primera cita y Según quién fueron algunas de las interpretaciones de su repertorio que dentro del género de regional mexicano le ha llevado a una intensa popularidad más allá de nuestras fronteras.
 
Su talento ha sido aplaudido y premiado con galardones como los Grammy Latino y su arraigo entre el público de Nuevo León fue notorio al caer la noche de este domingo caluroso que recibió al artista.
 
Se contó con la presencia de diferentes dependencias para cuidar y atender a los asistentes, como Protección Civil, Atención Ciudadana y servicios de apoyo para emergencias, personal de tránsito y de seguridad, junto con la participación en logística de la Secretaría de Cultura, en los operativos que se coordinan en cada MacroFest para que la experiencia, nivel y profesionalismo de cada uno de ellos sea memorable para todos, en estos emblemáticos eventos que se ofrecen de entrada libre.
 
Se reportó una asistencia aproximada de más de más 90 mil personas en el magno espectáculo.

Esta nueva tradición que inició el Gobierno de Nuevo León desde hace poco más de un año permite que todas las familias de Nuevo León puedan asistir y disfrutar de estos grandes espectáculos en un ambiente de paz, tranquilidad y convivencia dentro del MacroFest para todos.
 
¡Que suenen los 200 Nuevo León!

90-degree weather continues this week, feeling hotter as we add tropical-like humidity

ABC13 Houston
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90-degree weather continues this week, feeling hotter as we add tropical-like humidity

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The sunny and warm weather this weekend was just a taste of what’s to come later this week. By Tuesday we’ll add in tropical-like humidity, which could send feels like temperatures into the triple digits for the first time this year.

Temperatures Monday morning will start off in the low 70s. A few areas of fog are possible once again, which will be mainly west and south of Houston. Otherwise Monday will be another sunny and warm day, just like what we had this weekend. You may feel more of a breeze though.

What do I need to know about this week’s weather?

The heat is going nowhere, and the humidity will only get worse. That will push low temperatures higher into the upper 70s by Tuesday morning, and the heat index will climb into the mid-90s to near 100. Those who know they’ll be without power for an extended time need to consider finding a place to stay cool during this hot and steamy stretch of weather. We do have a small chance of thunderstorms returning Thursday as a front pushes into the northern part of the state.

So how many 90-degree days can we expect?

Sunday was the second day in a row with 90 degree weather, and by the end of this week we could add a few more 90-degree days to that streak. As of right now we have high temperatures staying in the low 90s over the next 10 days. The only two days where temperatures might not touch 90 is Wednesday and Thursday, and that would be because of cloud cover or storms.

Any potentially stormy days I need to be aware of next?

It’s been a pretty active month for rain and thunderstorms with 10 of the past 19 days with rain recorded at Bush Intercontinental. And while these next couple of days will be quiet, the ABC13 weather team is keeping a close eye on the next storm system that could take shape into the middle to end of next week. Thursday in particular there’s the chance that thunderstorms that develop north of Southeast Texas move from the north. There’s still a lot of variability though this far out, but as of now Thursday is Houston’s next best chance for rain and storms.

13 ALERT RADAR MAPS:

Southeast Texas

Houston

Harris County

Galveston County

Montgomery/Walker/San Jacinto/Polk/Grimes Counties

Fort Bend/Wharton/Colorado Counties

Brazoria/Matagorda Counties

This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.

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