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Saturday morning storms knock out power for more than 100K in Houston area | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 11:59 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston Faces Widespread Power Outage Amid Flood‑Induced Storm

On the evening of Sunday, October 25, 2025, a severe weather event that dropped more than ten inches of rain across the Houston metropolitan area triggered a massive power outage that left tens of thousands of residents without electricity and flooded neighborhoods across the city. The outage, largely attributed to the heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, was reported by CenterPoint Energy—the region’s primary electricity and natural‑gas provider—on its live‑update map and through a series of statements issued throughout the night.

The storm, classified as a “rain‑heavy derecho,” developed over the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday night and intensified as it moved inland, producing gusts that toppled trees and downed power lines. By 8:30 p.m. local time, CenterPoint Energy had recorded a surge of complaints from customers reporting no power. “We are dispatching crews to affected areas and working around the clock to restore service,” said a CenterPoint spokesperson on the company’s official channel. “Our technicians are prioritizing critical infrastructure such as hospitals, water treatment plants, and emergency response centers.”

The blackout spread across multiple service corridors, with the most affected areas including the Galleria district, Uptown, and parts of the Energy Corridor. According to the company’s outage map, roughly 18,000 customers in the downtown core and an additional 12,000 in the northern suburbs were without power at the time the outage was first reported. By Monday morning, the utility announced that service had been restored to over 95 % of affected customers, although some customers in more remote neighborhoods had to wait until the afternoon to have their electricity back.

The flooding itself caused damage beyond the loss of power. In several neighborhoods—such as the Heights and River Oaks—water had seeped into basements and attics, posing risks of mold growth and structural damage. Residents who were not yet able to use their phones due to power loss were advised to use their car radios for updates. The Houston Police Department, which maintains a real‑time weather alert system on its website, issued a statement urging people to avoid flooded roads, especially those that had been previously reported as submerged. “If you see water on the road, do not drive through it. Even a few inches can cause your vehicle to lose traction or become swept away,” the department warned.

Medical facilities were not immune to the storm’s impact. The Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex, had to rely on its backup generators to keep critical care units operational. Hospital staff confirmed that no patients were moved or treated in less than optimal conditions. The emergency services were able to keep the critical care units running, thanks to the rapid deployment of generators and the coordinated effort of the Houston Fire Department and the local medical emergency response team. Their joint efforts were highlighted in a brief video posted by the Houston Fire Department, where firefighters described how they used their backup pumps to keep water pressure high in key emergency facilities.

The city’s Mayor, Greg B. Smith, released a statement through the Houston Municipal News Service. “We appreciate the hard work of our emergency responders and utility partners,” he said. “The safety of our residents remains our highest priority. We are working with CenterPoint and other city agencies to provide updates on evacuation orders, emergency shelters, and the restoration of essential services.”

Beyond the immediate fallout, the storm raised questions about Houston’s storm‑water infrastructure. Engineers from the City of Houston’s Public Works Department testified that the city’s storm‑water system, which was built during the early 20th century, was severely stressed by the rainfall. The department’s recent press release, linked from the Houston Public Media article, indicated plans to upgrade the system’s capacity and to install additional pumps to mitigate future flooding. The city also announced an emergency grant of $2 million to local neighborhoods that experienced severe water damage, covering costs for debris removal and temporary power solutions.

CenterPoint Energy’s official website, which the article links to for real‑time updates, provides a live map that tracks the status of outages and the estimated restoration time. The map also lists specific crews working in each area and their contact information, allowing residents to verify that a repair team is on site. In addition, the utility’s website includes a comprehensive FAQ that explains how to prepare for future outages, what steps to take if water damage is suspected, and how to apply for assistance if necessary.

The National Weather Service’s Houston forecast page, another link featured in the original article, provides the latest weather outlook. According to the NWS, the heavy rain is expected to taper off by Thursday morning, but lingering storms could produce more localized flooding. The forecast also cautions residents to be vigilant for possible flash floods, especially in low‑lying areas near bayous and canals.

The power outage, which lasted over 12 hours for many customers, highlighted the interconnected nature of Houston’s infrastructure. While the city’s emergency services and utility providers responded quickly, the incident underscored the need for continued investment in resilient power and storm‑water systems. The Houston Public Media coverage of the event, including the live updates and expert interviews, offers a detailed account of how a single storm can disrupt daily life, test emergency preparedness, and prompt both immediate and long‑term policy responses.