Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power as Crews Continue Restoration

 -Editorial 

Imperial Irrigation District crews continued around-the-clock restoration efforts after a powerful thunderstorm moved through the Imperial Valley, damaging electrical infrastructure and causing widespread outages.

The storm affected 18 IID electrical circuits and 12 substations, with 5,160 customers experiencing outages lasting five minutes or longer, according to the district. By 7:45 a.m. Thursday, power had been restored to 4,911 customers, or more than 95% of those affected, leaving 249 customers without service.

IID said its crews will continue working until remaining outages are restored and storm-related repairs are completed.

The storm moved through the region Wednesday afternoon, with some of the most significant impacts reported in the Calexico, Heber and Holtville areas.

Cedric Ceseña, deputy chief of operations and training for the Imperial County Fire Department and Office of Emergency Services, said the storm developed at about 4 p.m. southwest of Calexico and remained in the area for nearly an hour.

“We had strong winds of up to 70 mph,” Ceseña said. “Obviously, we had intense rainfall, and there was also hail during the event.”

Ceseña said electrical infrastructure was damaged north and south of Heber, along with privately owned structures, including signs and other infrastructure. Nearly 5,000 households lost electricity during the storm, although most customers had service restored.

IID crews mobilized as weather conditions safely allowed and worked through the evening and overnight, assessing damage and repairing transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Many of the remaining outages involve more extensive repairs, including work on transmission lines, poles, and distribution equipment. Crews are prioritizing repairs that can safely restore electricity to the greatest number of customers while continuing more complex work in areas with heavier damage.

“Keeping the power flowing safely and reliably for all of our customers is one of IID’s most important responsibilities, and we take it very seriously,” IID Board Chair Karin Eugenio said. “We are grateful for the progress made overnight, and our attention remains on the customers who are still without power.”

IID General Manager Jamie Asbury said the district had prepared for the summer storm season through operational planning, coordination, and public preparedness efforts.

“Our teams prepared for these types of events, mobilized as soon as conditions allowed and worked through the night to assess damage, make repairs and restore service where possible,” Asbury said. “We remain focused on safely restoring every remaining customer, and we appreciate their patience.”

Emergency officials also opened a shelter at a school in Heber as a precaution for residents who could have been left without electricity during the heat.

The storm affected an area extending from northern to southern portions of the county, roughly west of the area between Highway 111 and Dogwood Road, Ceseña said.

In Calexico, Mayor Victor Legaspi said on social media that he joined Fire Chief Juan Contreras, City Manager Benjamin Martinez, Public Works Director Jesus Villegas, Associate Engineer Fernando Williams and Council Member Adriana Marquez in surveying residential areas after the storm to assess damage. Calexico police officers also patrolled the community to provide safety and assistance.

Across the border in Mexicali, municipal crews worked overnight to remove obstacles and debris from several major roadways following the storm.

Mexicali officials reported cleanup efforts at the López Mateos and Independencia bridge, Eje Central and Río Nuevo, Lázaro Cárdenas and López Mateos, Lázaro Cárdenas and Benito Juárez, Boulevard López Mateos and Boulevard Lázaro Cárdenas. City officials also reminded motorists to use caution around ongoing roadwork, including at Calzada Héctor Terán Terán and Heroico Colegio Militar.

Residents were encouraged to report hazards or other storm-related emergencies to 911.

Ceseña urged residents to remain prepared as the Imperial Valley continues through the monsoon season and faces the possibility of additional severe weather.

“This is monsoon season, so it is important to always be prepared,” Ceseña said.

He recommended that households maintain a family communication plan because severe weather can disrupt electricity and cellphone service. Residents should also maintain at least 72 hours of food, water, and necessary medications for everyone in their households.