How to Prepare for a Storm Power Outage in Texas: Step-by-Step Safety Plan and Evacuation Plan

Texas is prone to severe weather conditions such as thunderstorms. In fact, two rounds of high-impact thunderstorms impacted West Texas in June 2025. One thunderstorm occurred at midnight over the southern Texas Panhandle, followed by a more intense round across western and central South Plains. Such severe weather conditions disrupt the normal life for individuals, indicating the importance of preparing for a storm power outage.

Power outages due to downed lines are one of the most disruptive consequences of a thunderstorm. They can affect communication, food storage, and even daily life. That's why having a reliable home battery backup power solution like a Jackery Solar Generator can be a valuable addition to your emergency kit. It ensures essential appliances remain powered even when the grid goes down.

In this article, you’ll learn

• Texas is ranked first in the US, and at least one major disaster event happens every year in the state.
• Severe thunderstorm outbreaks can strike suddenly and bring lightning, strong winds, heavy rain, hail, and power outages.
• You need to prepare yourself before a storm or when a Philadelphia thunderstorm flood warning is issued, know the risks in your region, and have a clear evacuation plan.
• Jackery Solar Generators provide essential home backup power for phones, lights, radios, and small appliances when the power is out.
• What are the government guidelines for thunderstorm preparedness. 
• How to evacuate safely during a thunderstorm or a severe weather alert. 

Understanding the Common Dangers of Thunderstorms

Severe thunderstorm outbreaks in Kentucky or any other parts of the US are rain showers during which you hear thunder. When they contain a tornado, a hail of one inch or greater, or winds gusting in excess of 50 knots (57.5 mph), they are classified as "severe." Many hazardous weather events are associated with thunderstorms, such as flash flooding, lightning, etc. Let's briefly explain the common dangers associated with thunderstorms, as per NSSL: 

• Lightning: It is perhaps the most recognized danger associated with thunderstorms. It can ignite fires, damage buildings, and injure people.
• High Winds: They are another major threat. Strong (up to more than 120 mph) straight-line winds can knock down trees, mobile homes, and power lines.
• Flash Flooding: Rainfall from thunderstorms causes flash flooding, which is especially dangerous in urban areas or places with poor drainage. Water collects rapidly and can trap motorists or flood basements with little warning.
• Hail: Hail can range from pea-sized to larger than baseballs. In fact, hail up to the size of softballs can damage vehicles, windows, crops, and even kill livestock caught out in the open.
• Tornado: Tornadoes with winds up to 300 mph can destroy all but the best-built man-made structures.

Which US States Have the Most Thunderstorms?

According to the NSSL (NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory), around 1,00,000 thunderstorms occur each year in the USA alone, with 10% of these reaching severe levels. Although thunderstorms can occur across the country, some states see more intense and frequent activity due to their geography, climate, and seasonal weather patterns. 

According to the National Weather Service, areas in western central Florida experience more thunderstorms per year than any other location in the United States. In fact, thunderstorms can occur in any month of the year in the Florida Keys. The CDC's Lightning Strike Victim Data reveals that the Southeastern states are most at risk compared to the Northwestern states, except for some places like the Rocky Mountains. 

Here's the list of US states that have the most lightning deaths and injuries: 

Source: CDC Lightning Strike Victim Data

Only five US states (Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Washington) and the US Virgin Islands have not reported any lightning deaths since 2006.

Government Guidelines for Thunderstorm Preparedness

Federal and local agencies across the United States offer detailed guidelines to help individuals and communities prepare for thunderstorms. If you follow these official recommendations by the Red Cross and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, you can reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and chaos during severe weather events.

Before a Thunderstorm

You need to prepare for severe weather before the thunderstorm strikes. This can make all the difference in how well you and your home can withstand the storm. 

• Stay informed by checking your local weather forecast daily during thunderstorm season. Sign up for alerts through the National Weather Service, your local news station, or weather apps.
• Secure your home by removing the dead or rotting branches and trees around the yard that might fall during thunderstorms and cause damage. In addition, clear clogged rain gutters to ensure proper water flow from the home.
• Assemble an emergency kit and make sure your go-bag or storm kit is complete and up to date. Restock essentials like bottled water, non-perishable snacks, fresh batteries, important documents, a backup battery like the Jackery Solar Generator, and any critical medications.
• Prepare your vehicle with a full tank of gas, working windshield wipers, and emergency supplies in case you need to evacuate or help someone else.

During a Thunderstorm

When a severe thunderstorm outbreak occurs in your neighborhood or area, the focus should shift from preparation to protection. You should stay indoors to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe and sound until the thunderstorm passes. 

• Listen to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio and local news to check all the latest information. Make sure to follow all the instructions provided by the public safety officials.
• If you hear thunder in an outdoor area, take shelter immediately. Go to an interior room on the lowest floor of your home, away from windows, skylights, and glass doors.
• Avoid using wired electronics and running water. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and plumbing, so stay away from corded phones, desktop computers, sinks, tubs, and faucets. If you need to use a device, opt for a battery-powered or solar-powered alternative.
• If the power goes out, consider using a solar-powered generator like Jackery Solar Generator to keep essential devices like lights, phones, or medical equipment running without any noise or fumes.

After a Thunderstorm

Once the severe thunderstorm outbreak in Tennessee or any other part of the USA passes, you need to continue monitoring the media for all the emergency information. Here are some more tips:

• Don't assume the danger is over until officials confirm it's safe. Secondary storms or flash floods can occur shortly after the initial wave. If you see fallen power lines, poles, or wires, report them to the utility company immediately.
• Inspect your home for damage. Look for broken windows, roof leaks, downed trees, and damaged power lines. Take photos for insurance claims and report major damage to local authorities or your utility provider.
• Even small amounts of flooding can hide electrical risks or structural issues. Hence, never walk or drive through floodwaters, as they may conceal dangerous debris or open manholes.

How to Evacuate Safely During a Thunderstorm or Severe Weather Alert

Evacuations during a severe thunderstorm outbreak in the US aren't common, but they can become necessary during extreme weather events like flash floods or when combined with hurricane systems. If officials issue an evacuation order, you need to follow a structured evacuation plan.

Step 1: Monitor Official Weather Alerts and Evacuation Orders

Check official sources like the National Weather Service (NWS), FEMA alerts, or your local emergency management agency. If power or cell service is disrupted, follow updates on a battery or solar-powered radio. You can also download the FEMA app to access the list of open shelters during an active disaster in the local area.

Step 2: Pack Your Emergency Go-Bag

Your emergency kit should already be assembled before storm season. Your emergency go bag should include all the essentials, such as water, food, flashlight, first aid kit, important documents, medication, cash, phone chargers, battery-powered or hand-crank radio, and pet supplies. Make sure to have some masks, hand sanitizer, and a whistle in case you need to signal for help.

Step 3: Secure Your Home Before Leaving

Before you leave, close windows and doors, unplug appliances, and turn off utilities such as televisions, radios, and small appliances if instructed to do so. You can keep the freezer and refrigerator plugged in unless there is a flooding risk. Move all the valuable items to higher ground if flooding is likely. Secure outdoor items or bring them inside to prevent them from becoming flying debris.

Step 4: Plan and Follow a Safe Evacuation Route

Leave early to avoid being trapped by the severe weather and use routes recommended by local emergency services. Avoid taking shortcuts through unfamiliar roads, especially those prone to flooding. Keep your car's gas tank full or battery charged, and avoid driving through water-covered streets. Be alert for hazards such as washed-out roads or downed power lines.

Step 5: Carry a Portable Power Backup for Communication and Lighting

Always pack a reliable battery backup like a Jackery Solar Generator to keep your phone charged, power emergency lighting, or run a CPAP machine. The foldable solar panels in the bundle ensure the battery backup can be recharged even if you're off the grid or stuck without fuel. Once you reach a shelter, check in with local officials and let loved ones know you're safe.

Jackery Solar Generators for Power Outages

Thunderstorms can knock out power for hours or even days, depending on the severity of the weather. Jackery is a leading solar brand that manufactures highly efficient solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators are safe to use indoors and don't emit any toxic fumes, making them ideal for indoor use. The portability of the battery backup makes them suitable for severe thunderstorm outbreaks and evacuations, so you can stay connected and powered on the go.

Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000

The Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000 has a massive battery capacity to support essential household appliances, such as refrigerators, lights, cookers, etc. Despite the large battery capacity, it is the world's smallest and lightest 3kWh LFP, so you can carry the electricity generator for home even during evacuation. The best part is the Jackery's ZeroDrain, which ensures 95% power will be left even after 365 days of inactivity and storage. 

Appliances Running Time

• Refrigerator (500W) = 5.0H
• Sump Pump (1000W) = 2.6H
• Portable Heater (1500W) = 1.7H
• Electric Stove Burner (1800W) = 1.4H
• Window AC (500W) = 5.0H

Who Should Buy This

If you need a compact battery backup solution to power essential appliances, such as refrigerators and heaters, consider investing in the Jackery Solar Generator HomePower 3000.

Customer Review

“I finally feel secure knowing that when the blackouts occur, I can simply push a button and keep my fridge and freezer running. Blackouts are occurring more frequently, and I am prepared. Thank you.” — Victoria Woodward.

Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus 

The Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is an essential home backup solution that can power refrigerators, washers, dryers, lights, etc., so you don't have to worry about spoiled food or wet clothes during severe thunderstorm outbreaks. The 0ms UPS switchover during blackouts ensures your fridge stays cold and Zoom calls remain connected in the blink of an eye. 

Appliances Running Time

• Refrigerator (500W) = 7.8H
• Sump Pump (1000W) = 4.1H
• Portable Heater (1500W) = 2.7H
• Electric Stove Burner (1800W) = 2.3H
• Window AC (500W) = 7.8H

Who Should Buy This

If you're looking for an essential home backup solution that can power most household appliances during storm power outages and can be expanded as needed to meet your power requirements, then the Jackery Solar Generator 5000 Plus is a reliable choice.

Customer Review 

"This is my second unit from Jackery. Love them. I bought the 5000-plus for backup for the coming storm season here in Houston, mainly to run the refrigerator. The great sale and stackable coupon sealed the deal." — David Tanaka.

FAQs About Severe Thunderstorm Outbreak

How do you prepare for a thunderstorm?

You should pay attention to weather alerts, postpone outdoor activities if a thunderstorm is forecast, and seek shelter indoors in a sturdy building when thunder is heard.

What are the 4 requirements for a thunderstorm?

The three common requirements for a thunderstorm are: MOISTURE, INSTABILITY, and LIFTING. There is also a fourth ingredient (WIND SHEAR) associated with severe thunderstorms.

How do you stay safe inside a thunderstorm?

To stay safe inside during a severe thunderstorm outbreak, move to an interior room on the lowest floor and avoid windows, doors, and porches. Also, consider staying away from plumbing, electrical equipment, and metal objects.

Can I open my window during a thunderstorm?

While rare, lightning can strike a building through cracks or openings in windows, especially in older homes. It's best to stay a few feet away from windows and doors during a thunderstorm and keep windows closed.

Conclusion

Severe thunderstorm outbreaks frequently occur in different parts of the United States, but their unpredictability and intensity can create serious challenges, from flash floods and lightning strikes to widespread power outages. Whether you're sheltering in place or evacuating during severe weather, a solid safety plan and a fully stocked emergency kit are essential. When the grid goes down or you need to evacuate, you need to have a portable, solar-powered generator like a Jackery Solar Generator that can keep you connected, lit, and reassured.