AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Austin Energy crews are headed to south Texas to help restore utility lines in the wake of Hurricane Hanna.
Crews will leave Austin Monday afternoon, prepared to work for up to two weeks in Mercedes, Texas and other areas in and around Hidalgo County.
Hanna made landfall Saturday evening in south Texas as a strong Category 1 hurricane, bringing 90 mile an hour winds ashore. More than 140,000 customers were reported to be without power.
"I am honored to work with such caring individuals who not only work day in and day out for our own community here in Austin, but are also willing to help others in need," said Elton Richards with Austin Energy. "Their generosity and willingness to help South Texas and the Coastal Bend rebuild is what being a public power utility is all about."
While mutual aid requests are common following large severe weather events, the coronavirus pandemic has prompted extra considerations. Austin Energy says its crews will only work with themselves, staying within their teams, and following established COVID-19 safety protocols.
