Hailey
A significant power outage struck parts of central and southern Wichita Falls on Sunday evening, affecting both residential homes and commercial establishments.
According to the Oncor Outage Map, the areas experiencing the blackout span from Midwestern State University to Castaway Cove Waterpark, where more than 1,000 customers have reported service interruptions.
In a separate section of the city near United Regional Hospital, an additional 900+ customers are currently without electricity.
Estimated Restoration Time and Map Updates
The Oncor Outage Map, which provides real-time data refreshed every 10 minutes, has projected that power restoration is expected by approximately 10:00 p.m. Sunday night.
This tool allows residents to track outage locations, duration, and estimated recovery timelines across the affected zones.
How to Handle Food During a Power Outage
One of the biggest risks during a power outage is the spoilage of food stored in your refrigerator and freezer. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) advises that:
- Food in a refrigerator can remain safe for up to 4 hours without power, provided the door is kept closed.
- Items in a full freezer can stay frozen for up to 48 hours, and for 24 hours in a half-full freezer.
When to Move Food to a Cooler
If the power outage is anticipated to last longer than four hours, it’s essential to transfer perishable items—such as dairy, meat, and leftovers—into a cooler filled with ice to prevent spoilage.
Temperature Guidelines for Food Safety
It’s important to discard any perishable foods that have been held at temperatures above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
This includes items like eggs, milk, cooked meats, and prepared dishes, which can become breeding grounds for bacteria when not stored properly.
The ongoing Wichita Falls power outage has affected nearly 2,000 customers, impacting daily life and raising concerns over food safety.
While utility crews work toward restoring service by 10 p.m., residents are advised to monitor food temperatures and take appropriate precautions to avoid health risks.
Keep an eye on the Oncor Outage Map for timely updates and ensure you act quickly to preserve any perishable food items.