Thousands of residents across the San Antonio area remained without electricity on Saturday as utility crews continued efforts to restore power following powerful storms that swept through the region Friday night.
The severe weather caused widespread damage, bringing down power lines, utility poles, and tree branches. The storms left many neighborhoods in the dark and disrupted daily life for families, businesses, and workers across the city.
Utility officials reported that more than 112,000 customers lost power at the height of the storm. By Saturday evening, that number had fallen significantly, but nearly 60,000 customers were still without electricity. Crews worked throughout the day to repair damaged infrastructure and restore service as quickly as possible.
Officials warned that some residents may need to prepare for extended outages. Damaged power lines, broken poles, and fallen trees have complicated restoration efforts, making some repairs more difficult and time-consuming.
Utility leaders urged residents to activate emergency plans and seek safe places to stay cool while repairs continue. The warning comes as hot weather remains in the forecast. Temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees, with heat index values making conditions feel even hotter.
The combination of high temperatures and power outages has created challenges for many households. Residents without air conditioning have been searching for places to cool off, charge phones, and access basic services.
Local businesses became temporary gathering points for people seeking relief. Restaurants and public spaces with electricity welcomed large numbers of residents throughout the day. Many visitors used the locations to recharge electronic devices, escape the heat, and connect with family members.
For some residents, the storm brought frightening moments. Cindy Rodriguez-Martinez said she experienced the effects of the storm while attending a theater performance. The electricity went out shortly before the second act of a sold-out show was scheduled to begin.
The trip home proved even more difficult. Rodriguez-Martinez described driving through dangerous conditions as heavy rain and strong winds affected roads across the city. She said she encountered downed power lines, flooded streets, and traffic accidents during her journey.
With power still unavailable at her home, family members adjusted their plans to help her stay comfortable. Her daughter, who had been preparing to move into a new house, decided to provide space for Rodriguez-Martinez and her grandson so they could remain in an air-conditioned environment while waiting for electricity to return.
Many residents also faced concerns about food spoilage. Extended outages forced some families to throw away groceries that could no longer be kept safely refrigerated.
Yesenia Cortez, who spent part of the day with her children at a local restaurant, said she had already lost the contents of her refrigerator. Like many parents, she was also worried about how the outages could affect the start of the workweek.
She said uncertainty surrounding school schedules created additional stress. If schools are unable to operate normally, many working parents may need to find alternative childcare arrangements.
The storm’s impact extended beyond homes and businesses. Fallen trees and damaged utility equipment blocked some streets, creating hazards for drivers and slowing cleanup efforts. Emergency crews and utility workers spent much of Saturday responding to reports of downed wires and storm-related damage.
Officials reported hundreds of active outages and numerous calls involving damaged electrical lines. Repair crews were deployed across the city to assess conditions and restore service where possible.
Residents who have lived in San Antonio for many years said the scale of the outages was unusual. Cleo Booker, who has lived in the city since 2010, said he had experienced short power interruptions in the past but had never faced the possibility of being without electricity for several days.
Booker spent part of Saturday purchasing ice in an effort to preserve food in his refrigerator. Like many others, he hoped power would return before more supplies were lost.
As cleanup efforts continue, utility officials are asking residents to remain patient and avoid damaged electrical equipment. Safety remains a top concern as crews work to restore service across the region.
The San Antonio Storm Outages have highlighted the challenges severe weather can create for large urban areas. While significant progress has been made since Friday night, thousands of residents are still waiting for electricity to return as repair crews continue working around the clock to restore normal conditions.
