What To Do If You Lose Power After a Thunderstorm in Central Texas

When the lights go out in Central Texas, are you ready? Severe storms and unexpected outages are becoming more frequent — and without backup power, your home could be left in the dark.

Central Texas is no stranger to powerful thunderstorms. Just recently, tornado watches and warnings swept through Dripping Springs and surrounding areas, bringing heavy rain, hail, and lightning. Along with the spectacle comes the risk of one big inconvenience — a power outage.

Whether it's caused by a lightning strike, downed power lines, or a surge that trips your breakers, power loss during or after a storm can feel stressful and uncertain. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what causes storm-related outages, what you should do when your power goes out, and how to protect your home with backup solutions like generators.

What Causes Power Outages During a Storm?

There are several ways a storm can knock out power:

• Lightning strikes that damage utility equipment or nearby transformers

• High winds that bring down power lines

• Fallen trees or branches interfering with electrical infrastructure

• Power surges that trip your breaker panel or damage internal wiring

Even if lightning doesn’t hit your home directly, a nearby strike can send a surge through utility lines — zapping appliances and causing partial or complete power loss.

Want to know more about these surges? Read our post on What Causes Power Surges and How to Prevent Them at Home to better understand how surges travel and how to protect your devices year-round.

How To Know If It’s Just Your Home

Before you start flipping breakers, ask: Is the outage affecting just my house, or is it more widespread?

• Look outside. Are streetlights or your neighbor’s homes dark too?

• Check your utility provider’s outage map to see if it’s a known issue.

• If it's just your home, there may be internal damage or a tripped breaker — and it’s time to call an electrician.

What To Do During a Power Outage at Night

Losing power at night adds another layer of stress. Here's what to do:

✅ 1. Stay Safe First

Use flashlights — not candles. Avoid walking around in the dark, especially if there’s water on the ground.

✅ 2. Unplug Sensitive Electronics

Power surges can occur when electricity is restored. Unplug TVs, computers, and appliances to protect them.

✅ 3. Check Your Breaker Panel

If breakers have tripped, try resetting them once. If they won’t stay on, leave them off and call us. Forcing them back on repeatedly can be dangerous.

✅ 4. Check GFCI Outlets

Press the “test” and “reset” buttons on GFCI outlets around the house. If they won't reset or keep tripping, they may be damaged from the storm.

Who To Call For a Power Outage

If the entire area is dark, contact your utility provider to report the outage in your area. Most power companies offer online maps or phone lines for reporting.

If only your home is affected, especially after a thunderstorm, call PowerMeans Electric. We can:

• Inspect your electrical system

• Identify hidden storm damage

• Restore safe, full functionality

To go deeper into how storm season affects your home's power system, check out our blog: Storm Season in Texas: How to Protect Your Home from Power Surges.

Using a Generator During a Power Outage

A whole-home standby generator automatically kicks in when the grid goes down — keeping your lights on, your fridge cold, and your family safe no matter the weather.

If you're wondering how to use a generator during a power outage, you’re not alone. Generators can be a lifesaver — but only when used correctly.

Here are some quick safety tips:

• Never use a portable generator indoors or in a garage.

• Keep it at least 20 feet from windows and doors.

• Only use extension cords rated for outdoor use.

• For whole-home solutions, make sure a licensed electrician installs a transfer switch to prevent backfeeding into the grid.

Curious if a generator is the best option? Learn more in our blog: Generator vs. Battery Backup: Which Is Better for Your Home?

Don’t Forget: Generator Maintenance Matters

Already have a generator installed? Make sure it’s ready before the next outage hits. A system that won’t start or safely transfer power can leave you in the dark.

We cover this in our guide: Backup Generator Maintenance: Is Your System Ready for an Emergency?

Pro Tip: Prevent the Next Outage with Whole-Home Surge Protection

Your home's breaker panel is the heart of your electrical system — and the key to safely integrating a backup generator. Upgrading or inspecting your panel ensures your home is ready when it matters most.

Outages are bad enough — but the damage that follows can be even worse. A whole-home surge protector at your panel helps safeguard your:

• Appliances

• HVAC system

• Electronics

• Breaker panel

Paired with point-of-use protectors, this setup gives your home the layered defense it needs to weather the next big storm.

Summary: What To Do When the Power Goes Out After a Storm

• Thunderstorms can cause outages through lightning, wind, and surges.

• Determine if the outage is area-wide or limited to your home.

• Take safety precautions, unplug electronics, and check your breakers.

• If breakers won’t reset or you suspect damage, call a professional.

• Use generators safely, and consider long-term protection like surge protectors or backup power systems.

At PowerMeans Electric, we’re here when the lights go out. Whether you're troubleshooting a partial outage or ready to install a generator, we’ve got your back.

Because when power means everything, just call PowerMeans.