UPDATE (Thursday 10:45 a.m.) City Councilmember Jennifer Staubach Gates provided this update:

“We are pleased our crews and contractors have made substantial progress in the restoration process. This storm caused over 350,000 power outages. Currently there are approximately 9,000 customers within the city of Dallas without electric service due to the storm. In some areas where there is major structural damage; it is necessary to reconstruct much of the infrastructure before electric service can be restored. More than 2,500 mutual assistance personnel from Alabama Power, CenterPoint, Texas New Mexico Power, American Electric Power, Entergy (Louisiana), Mississippi Power, and El Paso, are working with us to restore service.

We are still on target to complete the vast majority of power restorations by this evening. Customers in hard-hit areas may see restoration times on Thursday.

In an effort to prevent frustration and help avoid the possibility of extended outages, we are encouraging those customers who are without power and are able to examine their meter base and weatherhead; to confirm this equipment has not been damaged or pulled off. (A graphic illustrating this potential issue is below.)

If damage has occurred, Oncor will be unable to restore power until a licensed electrician makes the necessary repairs first. It is imperative customers requiring a city inspection use a licensed contractor in accordance with the city’s Emergency Power Release policy.”

Previously reported

“Oncor crews continue working to restore service as safely and quickly as possible. We anticipate assistance from our neighboring utility partners tomorrow. This storm created significant damage throughout our city which will take some time to repair and restore. There was storm damage to several critical facilities such as hospitals and water pump stations, these are a priority, as these facilities provide a vital service to our city and can impact health and safety. Crews will continue to work throughout the night and until everyone’s service is restored. Customers should plan for a multi-day outage.”

Here are her tips:

“Traffic Signals: We are prioritizing getting traffic signals that are completely out up and running. Crews will be placing stop signs at all locations that are down or completely out. Please treat any signal that is completely out as an all way stop.
Bulk Trash/Storm Debris Pick Up: 3-1-1 and Code Compliance will suspend ticketing for bulk trash. Bulk trash will continue for the month of June. In July, bulk and brush trash will be limited to the collection of storm debris. Regular bulk trash will resume August 1st. Residents with storm debris can set it out in their designated brush/bulk trash collection spot. Code compliance will suspend enforcement of brush/bulk violations for storm debris set outs only. You may also utilize the City’s transfer stations during designated days to self-haul debris. Log on to dallaszerowaste.com for a list of transfer station operating hours and days available.
Downed Trees, Flooding and Traffic Signal Outages: Due to a high volume of calls, residents may experience a busy signal when contacting 3-1-1. Please hang up and call right back. Please only call contact 3-1-1 for downed trees, flooding and traffic light outages. We ask that you not contact 3-1-1 regarding downed power outages as this is handled by Oncor.
Power Outages: Call Oncor at 888-313-4747.
9-1-1: 9-1-1 is operational. Due to high call volumes, you may get a busy signal. Please hang up and call right back.
The Latino Cultural Center is currently being used as a respite for residents without power or in need. The City of Dallas Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is also operating its command center out of this location. OEM is coordinating efforts with Dallas Fire Rescue, Dallas Police Department, and the Red Cross as well as the collapsed building on Live Oak.
My office will continue to update you as more details become available. We are here for you. Please reach out if we can be of any assistance.”