AEP Texas is bringing in additional crews to help restore power after a severe thunderstorm pummeled the Corpus Christi area early this morning. As many as 35,000 customers were without power this morning in the Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Kingsville areas. That number was reduced to 13,663 at 11:30 a.m.

The outages were caused by lightning and high winds as the fast moving storm rolled across the area. Much of Kingsville was out this morning due to the storm but the number has been reduced to 2,600 this morning.

In Corpus Christi, there were 11,000 customers without power as of 11 a.m. This number will continue to be reduced throughout the day as crews work to restore service.

Currently, outage assessment is taking place throughout the area and once it is completed, outage restoration estimates will be given for affected areas.

“We appreciate everyone’s patience as we safely work to get power restored,” said Bruce Evans, acting AEP Texas president. “We are asking customers to please report their outage if they have not done so already. This will ensure we have an accurate assessment of repairs that need to be made.”