AEP Teas has called in all available local service crews and crews from surrounding areas to respond to outages caused by high winds, rain and lightening that swept through the Abilene area earlier this evening.  AEP Texas Community Affairs Manager Greg Blair citied initial damage estimates of at least 40 utility poles that were either knocked down or damaged; however, this number is expected to incrrease as the damage assessment continues. 

Approximately 18,000 customers lost power immediately following the storm, but that number has since climbed to 24,500 as of 9:15 p.m. Service crews have restored power to approximately 1,000 customers, and the restoration efforts will continue throughout the night.  Blair indicated that it is too early to estimate the amount of time needed to restore service to all customers. 

As more information becomes available, AEP Texas will provide updates on the status of the restoration efforts.