Power Outages Cause Problems; Cold Weather Caution Urged

EAST TEXAS � Thousands of people were reportedly left without power following the storms late Wednesday night and early Thursday morning. According to KETK, the outages were caused by high winds and some fallen trees. In Longview, an estimated 150 homes were without power as of late Thursday afternoon in the general area between LeDuke Boulevard and Delwood Drive, and between 4th Street and Eastman Road. Officials said there may be some sporadic power outages scattered throughout the community as well. A similar situation has been reported in Tyler. Utility crews are working to restore electricity; however, officials say it may not be restored before Friday.

With temperatures expected to dip into the upper twenties or low thirties overnight, the cities of Longview and Tyler encourage residents to check on elderly or disabled neighbors in the area. You�re asked consider staying with friends and family until power is restored. For emergency sheltering assistance, you may contact the American Red Cross at 903-753-2091 in Longview or 903-581-7981 in Tyler. The Longview Fire Department has been canvassing the area. Also, the city of Longview is utilizing the Code Red Emergency Notification System to call residents in the affected area.

Elsewhere in East Texas, Alto ISD classes were cancelled for Thursday. The schools lost power around midnight. Classes will resume as scheduled today. Garrison ISD in Nacogdoches County started late on Thursday due to a power outage, with activities beginning at 10:00 am.