CenterPoint Energy preparing for severe weather from the Gulf

HOUSTON – The Houston Chronicle reports that as a tropical disturbance continued to develop in the Gulf of Mexico Sunday, CenterPoint Energy representatives said they were monitoring weather forecasts and preparing for potential severe weather along the Texas coast and in the Houston area. The idea is to avoid widespread power outages such as those following Hurricane Beryl this summer. The tropical wave, which could eventually become Tropical Storm Francine, had been in Mexico’s Bay of Campeche as of Sunday afternoon, the same time experts suggested the disturbance had a 90% chance of developing into a tropical depression or storm, according to the National Hurricane Center.

CenterPoint is taking several steps to prepare for possible severe weather, including prepping crews and equipment, securing work sites and securing additional resources from mutual assistance companies, the company said in a news release. Additionally, the company is reminding customers to follow natural gas and electric safety guidelines as well as prepare themselves and their homes for severe weather by assembling a storm preparedness kit, which includes supplies like flashlights, water, nonperishable food items, flashlights and a first aid kit. Individuals who require electricity for life-sustaining equipment are encouraged to make separate arrangements to ensure they have power, according to the news release. “We have a plan to address this potential storm, and we are executing our plan,” said Darin Carroll, senior vice president of electric business, in the news release. “Although the exact path and intensity of this potential storm are still unclear, we want to assure our customers that we are preparing for impact. We encourage everyone across the Greater Houston area and the larger Gulf Coast region to get their plans in place now for their families, loved ones, homes and businesses.”