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January 24, 2026 - Crews Responding Across our Three-State Territory
What You Need to Know
- Winter Storm Fern continues to impact all of SWEPCO’s service territory with historic ice accumulation. Outages have reached a peak of more than 25,000 customers, and conditions may shift again as the storm’s second wave moves through overnight.
- SWEPCO crews are making progress in a challenging environment, with a full mobilization of up to 5,600 utility professionals underway. Crews are restoring service where conditions allow and preparing for additional damage as ice persists.
- Customers are urged to report outages and stay away from downed lines. Heavy ice continues to bring down trees and limbs, increasing hazards. Always treat downed lines as energized and dangerous, report them immediately, and keep a safe distance.
Current Situation
Winter Storm Fern continues to bring historic, system‑wide ice impacts across our service territory. As of 6:00 p.m., approximately 19,046 customers are without power, with this event peaking at 25,307 customers out earlier this afternoon.
Crews have already restored service to more than 3,300 customers, and actual restoration progress is higher when including ongoing step restoration.
Despite the treacherous roadways and dangerous temperatures, SWEPCO crews have been able to fully or partially restore ongoing system impacts and will continue.
Due to the significant icing event, trees and limbs, sometimes entire trees, have fallen from outside our rights-of-way into lines and equipment.
Even in this deep freeze from Winter Storm Fern, SWEPCO’s power plants are helping keep electricity flowing. While ice is creating challenges on the distribution system and causing some outages, our crews are working safely and steadily to restore service as conditions allow.
The storm system has moved methodically across SWEPCO throughout the day, bringing freezing rain to much of the Ark-La-Tex and snow in Fayetteville in our Northwest Arkansas region. Radar shows SWEPCO in a brief lull between the first and second waves, giving crews another critical window to make meaningful restoration gains.
A key priority is strong overnight monitoring and early-morning assessments across our service territory, should the additional wave bring new damage.
Throughout the challenging conditions, our mission remains the same: restore every single customer, no matter what Winter Storm Fern brings our way. We are working shoulder to shoulder with our communities, navigating this historic weather event together, and will continue making progress as conditions allow.
Mutual Assistance In Action
Support from more than 14 states have shown up for our communities. We’ve mobilized approximately 5,600 utility professionals to aid our response to customers.
What You Can Do
Stay Off the Roads: Please avoid unnecessary travel. Clear roads help first responders and our crews access work sites safely and restore power faster.
Stay Safe: Avoid downed power lines and treat all wires as energized and potentially dangerous. Report downed lines and other safety hazards at SWEPCO.com or by calling 888-218-3919.
Stay Informed: For the latest outage updates and safety tips, visit SWEPCO.com or use the SWEPCO mobile app.
Report Outages: Download the SWEPCO app to quickly and easily report outages or report outages at SWEPCO.com.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work tirelessly to restore power. Our crews and those who have traveled hundreds of miles to help are committed to bringing the lights back on for every customer as quickly and safely as possible.
Customer Preparedness
SWEPCO is ready and we want our customers to be ready, too. Customers are urged to prepare now for winter weather and possible power outages:
Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and keep children and pets indoors.
If using a generator, follow all manufacturer instructions. Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
Customers with medical equipment who rely on electricity should have a backup plan in place in case of prolonged outages.
Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and flashlights readily available.
Charge phones and essential devices ahead of the storm.
Stay informed by following SWEPCO on social media and visiting SWEPCO.com for alerts and updates.
Get Restoration Updates
Customers should log in to their SWEPCO account to make sure we have an up-to-date cell number and email. Accurate contact information helps us reach you quickly if conditions change. We also encourage customers to sign up for outage alerts and SWEPCO email updates for real-time restoration information. When crews arrive on site, they enter a more precise restoration time, and enrolled customers receive those updates automatically.
Update your information or subscribe to alerts at SWEPCO.com/Alerts. You can also check outage status anytime at SWEPCO.com/OutageMap.
Next Update
We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Updates will be provided at SWEPCO.com as well as other communication channels.
January 23, 2026 - SWEPCO is Prepared for Arctic Cold Front, Winter Storm Fern
Crews are Ready to Respond Across Our Three-State Territory
What You Need to Know:
- The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning throughout SWEPCO’s service territory.
- SWEPCO teams are positioned and ready to respond with approximately 2,300 additional line and forestry personnel.
- Customers are encouraged to be prepared in the event of a power outage.
Current Situation: The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning across SWEPCO’s service territory, and our meteorologists are closely monitoring a system expected to bring dangerously low temperatures, strong winds, and a wintry mix to parts of our region.
"At SWEPCO, our priority is putting customers first. Our line, forestry, and support crews are on standby and fully prepared to respond.
"We’ve mobilized approximately 5,600 utility professionals to aid our response to customers. Through our regional Mutual Assistance partnerships, approximately 2,300 additional line and forestry personnel from peer utilities are already on site to support our efforts.
"We’re committed to matching the size and scale of this historic storm with the resources required to keep our customers safe and restore power as quickly as possible.
"We’ve established base camps in Longview, Texas Texarkana, Arkansas and Shreveport, Louisiana to support our crews and help speed restoration for customers. At the same time, our power plants have implemented their cold‑weather plans, and line crews are fully prepared with fueled and stocked vehicles, ready equipment, and staged materials. Crews may also be strategically positioned in advance to ensure quick access even if conditions worsen. In addition, our teams are coordinating closely with local, state and federal officials as part of the shared community response effort.
This will be a significant winter event, but SWEPCO is prepared, and we are confident we’ll weather it together safely."
Customer Preparedness - SWEPCO is ready and we want our customers to be ready, too. Customers are urged to prepare now for winter weather and possible power outages:
- Treat all downed power lines as energized and dangerous. Stay at least 10 feet away and keep children and pets indoors.
- If using a generator, follow all manufacturer instructions. Never use generators, grills, or camp stoves indoors.
- Customers with medical equipment who rely on electricity should have a backup plan in place in case of prolonged outages.
- Keep extra blankets, warm clothing, and flashlights readily available.
- Charge phones and essential devices ahead of the storm.
- Stay informed by following SWEPCO on social media and visiting SWEPCO.com for alerts and updates.
Get Restoration Updates: Now is the time for customers to log in to their SWEPCO account and make sure we have a current cell phone number and email address on file. This ensures we can reach you quickly if changing conditions affect your service.
We also encourage customers to subscribe to outage alerts and opt in to SWEPCO email updates so you receive real‑time restoration information. When crews arrive at a work site, they enter a more precise restoration time into our system, and those updates are automatically sent to customers who are enrolled.
To update your information or sign up for alerts, visit SWEPCO.com/Alerts. You can also track the latest outage status anytime at SWEPCO.com/OutageMap.
Post-Storm Safety Tips
- Stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
- Carefully investigate before cleaning up any debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- If using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Should I call SWEPCO to report my power outage? Immediately after a major storm, report only safety hazards such as downed power lines or equipment that is sparking. Often, we’re already aware of damage to our systems such as transmission lines and distribution circuits. Your calls help us focus resources on hazards that are not automatically picked up by our monitoring systems.
You can also report an outage using our online form.
Want to be the first to know about outages? Subscribe to alerts.
What should customers do if they see downed lines? Don't touch it or anything near it. Even telephone or cable lines can become energized. Keep yourself and others as far away as possible and call 911 or SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
How does SWEPCO handle tree damage? Our tree crews are among the first responders as they clear trees from lines and equipment, so line crews can restore power as quickly and safely as possible.
We do not remove cut trees or limbs during emergency power restoration. In these instances, property owners are responsible for removing tree debris.
Don't attempt to remove tree limbs or debris yourself if it is within 10 feet of a power line. Also, if you notice downed power lines or sparking equipment, stay far away and call 911 and SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
Staying Connected - To receive the latest alerts and information from SWEPCO, customers should:
- Report outages: SWEPCO.com/outage
- Download the SWEPCO mobile app: SWEPCO.com/app
- Follow SWEPCO on Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and YouTube
- Make sure we have your most recent contact information at swepco.com/account/
Next Update: We will continue to keep you informed as more information becomes available. Updates will be provided at SWEPCO.com as well as other communication channels.
January 24, 2026 - Shelby County Commissioner Stevie Smith reports a section of CR 3790 about a mile from Hwy 84 is closed due to a culvert wash out. The roadway will remain closed until the culvert can be replaced.
January 23, 2026 - The Shelby County Appraisal District will close Monday, January 26, 2026 due to inclement weather and open late on Tuesday, January 27 2026.
January 22, 2026 - Much of our area will see an extended period of time of sub-freezing temperatures. Right now we are looking at around 60-90 hours of below freezing temperatures across the region.
South of I-20, freezing temperatures will start around 3am Saturday, January 24 and will remain below freezing until 3pm on Monday, Janaury 26.
It's important to finish home preparations before Friday.
- Cover your exterior faucets
- Open cabinets under your sink and drip indoor faucets (A slow drip is all that is needed. If too many houses 'run' water in their faucets overnight, it can also drain a water system's supply.)
- Locate your water shut-off valve and know how to turn it off
- Turn off your sprinklers as they will create very icy surfaces
Be Kind to Your Water Supply
Be aware that water leaks resulting from frozen pipes can drain local water supply systems. It is very important that once pipes start to unfreeze, be sure to check your yard and inside your home carefully for water leaks. Even small leaks can result in problems for local water supplies because of the number of homes impacted by the freeze. To many leaks on a system can result in low water pressure or no water for the community.
Be sure to know how to turn off your water if needed.
Updated: The entire Four-State region is now under either a Winter Storm Watch or Winter Storm Warning as a significant winter storm is poised to impact the entire region this weekend. A combination of freezing rain, sleet, and snow can be expected with this event.
January 22, 2026 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport, Louisiana issued an Winter Storm Watch at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 22, 2026 for Shelby County, Texas. Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Saturday morning through Sunday morning.
WHAT... Heavy mixed precipitation possible. Total snow and sleet accumulations up to one inch and ice accumulations between three tenths and three quarters of an inch possible.
WHERE... Portions of north central and northwest Louisiana and east Texas.
WHEN... From Saturday morning through Sunday morning.
IMPACTS... Expect power outages and tree damage due to the ice. Travel could be impossible.
Precautionary / Preparedness Actions: Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.
Chances of at least some moderate impacts are increasing with an expected winter storm by the end of the week into this weekend. There still remains some uncertainty with precip types and amounts, so stay tuned for the latest information on this forecast!
It only takes a quarter of an inch of ice accumulations to start bringing down tree branches which could lead to power outages. For reference, some models are showing between a half to one inch of ice accumulation for portions of the area.
January 22, 2026 - The National Weather Service, Shreveport, Louisiana issued an Extreme Cold Watch at 11:18am on Tuesday, January 22, 2026 for Shelby County, Texas. Extreme Cold Watch is in effect from Sunday evening through Tuesday morning....
WHAT... Dangerously cold temperatures as low as 0 degrees possible.
WHERE... Portions of south central and southwest Arkansas, north central and northwest Louisiana, and east and northeast Texas.
WHEN... From Sunday evening through Tuesday morning.
IMPACTS... Frostbite and hypothermia will occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures. An extended period of freezing temperatures could cause ruptured water pipes.
Precautionary / Preparedness Actions:
- Dress in layers including a hat, face mask, and gloves if you must go outside.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
- Make sure outdoor animals have a warm, dry shelter, food, and unfrozen water.
- Make frequent checks on older family, friends, and neighbors. Ensure portable heaters are used correctly. Do not use generators or grills inside.
January 21, 2026 - Center Police Department (CPD) officers responded to a two-vehicle crash on Tenaha Street at the intersection of Foster Street January 8, 2026.
Details on this incident were unavailable from the CPD until the time of this report.
Several CPD units responded to the location at the time of the incident to aid those involved and direct other vehicles around the incident scene, as it was a high-traffic time of day on Tenaha Street.
According to the Center Police Department, at sometimne just bwfore 5pm, a silver 2017 Nissan Sentra driven by Arturo Rico, 53, of Tenaha was southbound on Tenaha Street approaching the intersection of Foster Street. At that time, a white 2016 Chevrolet Equinox driven by Karyn Fenton, 76, of Center was attempting to enter Tenaha Street from Foster Street and failed to yield right of way to the Nissan, and causing it to collide with the Equinox.
Both vehicles came to rest on the opposite side of the roadway with the intersection of Childs Street.
Fenton and her passenger Teresa Shear, 57, were each transported to Nacogdoches Medical Center for treatment of possible minor injuries.
Rico was transported by private vehicle to Nacogdoches Medical Center for medical evaluation.
No citations were issued and both vehicles were towed from the scene.
January 21, 2026 - The Shelby County Commissioners have lifted the burn ban on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, that was put in place on January 1, 2026.
it was agreed that if necessary, Judge Allison Harbison can put the ban back in place at any time.
Residents are encouraged to use caution when burning.
January 21, 2026 - The 273rd Judicial District Court that grand jury scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, has been cancelled due to inclement weather.
New summons will be reissued by mail.
Thank you,
Dee Dee Green
District Clerk
Shelby County, Texas
January 20, 2026 - The Lufkin District of the Texas Department of Transportation will begin pre-treating roadway surfaces and bridges ahead of anticipated winter weather that could impact travel conditions.
Due to forecasted rain, maintenance crews will begin applying a brine solution to prevent the build-up of ice on state-operated roads as weather permits Wednesday morning, and will step up operations throughout Wednesday night and the rest of the week.
Road treatments will continue while below-freezing temperatures and inclement weather present dangerous road conditions.
Current forecasts call for possible wintry precipitation from Thursday night into Monday morning across the state.
Motor graders and brine-filled tanker trucks are staged throughout the district's nine counties, and additional equipment is available to be deployed if necessary.
Motorists are encouraged not to drive if hazardous conditions exist. More information on the status of roads can be found at DriveTexas.org.
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