Port Aransas residents faced a challenging day as unexpected power outages disrupted the coastal town. Early morning, many woke up to no electricity, with over 3,000 customers initially affected. Although power was restored to most by midday, another outage struck in the evening, leaving more than 1,500 residents, primarily on the north side of town, again in the dark.
Evening Outage: Breaker Failure Causes Disruption
According to Omar Lopez, AEP-Texas‘ director of corporate communications, the second outage occurred around 8:28 p.m. and was attributed to a breaker failure. Fortunately, power was restored before 10 p.m., but the double outages created a day of uncertainty for many residents.
Weather Adds to the Challenge
The outages coincided with the coldest day of the year, catching even seasoned Winter Texans off guard. “It’s cold, but not as cold as Canada,” one visitor remarked. “That’s why we come here. It’s normally warmer, but it is what it is.”
Local Businesses Become Temporary Warming Centers
During the outages, local businesses like The Texan, IGA, and coffee shops became popular as residents sought warmth, snacks, and hot coffee. Resident Katie McCrillis noted, “Power was restored for a little while here, but certain streets lost power again.”
McCrillis, who owns Island Pet Company, took the opportunity to help neighbors. “If they don’t have power or need to stay warm, they’re welcome to come in here,” she said, offering chairs and space for both people and their pets.
Civic Center Opens for Warmth
Although Port Aransas lacks official warming centers, the city opened the Civic Center to residents seeking heat. For others, backup plans such as propane tanks helped them weather the outages.
Propane: A Lifesaver for RV Residents
South Texas Propane assisted RV residents who relied on propane for heating, cooking, and hot showers. Karl Fichtner, a delivery driver, explained the urgency: “Out here in Port A, they are having a power outage, so a lot of people are running on propane right now.”
The company owner, Christopher Russell, said they’ve been making nearly daily deliveries during the cold snap to ensure residents stay warm and safe. “We work until the last one is done,” Russell said. “Just making sure everyone is taken care of.”
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
The residents of Port Aransas demonstrated resilience and community spirit despite the cold and power outages. Whether businesses offered warm spaces or propane deliveries provided relief, the town came together to support one another during a tough day.