TNMP crews worked late into the night last Friday trying to restore power to northeastern parts of Montague County. (TNMP photo)

More than 3,200 homes and businesses in the Nocona, Saint Jo, Montague and Ringgold areas were without power late Friday evening and during the early morning hours Saturday due to an apparent lightning strike on transmission equipment.

Eric Paul, spokesperson for Texas New Mexico Power, said the damaged equipment was in a remote area, which was difficult to locate and access, particularly in the dark – a factor that also increases safety considerations for crew members.

The damage included a span of transmission lines going to the ground. TNMP crews used a bulldozer to tow a bucket truck to the site to assist with repairs.

Power initially went out just after 10 p.m. on Aug. 12. TNMP restored power to about 600 homes and businesses in Saint Jo around 12:30 a.m. by routing power from another direction.

Paul said it was necessary to complete repairs on the damaged transmission equipment; however, to restore the remaining customers. That was completed by 5:45 a.m. on Aug. 14.

A few scattered outages affected smaller numbers of customers, and were worked, after the transmission line was back in service.

TNMP appreciates customers’ understanding and patience during the lengthy outage, added Paul.