Power out for 178k HECO customers; company says ‘prepare for extended outages’ - Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Gusts topping 70 mph, more like a sudden haboob than a typical windy evening, snapped power lines and took down poles. The outage stretches from the South Plains Mall corridor all the way north toward Loop 289. This widespread blackout hits neighborhoods from Tech Terrace straight through to Raintree, affecting thousands of families and Texas Tech students. Xcel crews are working through the night. Officials suggest many won't see their lights back on until tomorrow, possibly longer in harder-hit areas like parts of the Depot District.

For folks living here, this means no AC in the unseasonable May heat. Dark intersections are causing traffic chaos across town. Many local businesses along 19th Street and Slide Avenue are shutting their doors early. Families are scrambling to find open dinner spots or keep groceries from spoiling, especially those with young kids or medical needs. This isn't just an inconvenience. It's a major disruption to daily life for a huge portion of the city.

More people are currently in the dark across Lubbock than the entire population of Abilene.