AEP Ohio preparing to head south to provide help ahead of Beryl's landfall

Work crews from American Electric Power (AEP) Ohio are gearing up to help out customers in Texas ahead of Hurricane Beryl.

"Corpus Christi, we’re on our way! With Beryl’s path expected to bring extensive power outages to AEP Texas ’ service territory, more than 120 of our lineworkers and support team from across the state left early this morning for the two-day road trip as they move into place to aid in restoration efforts," said AEP officials in a social media post.

AEP says they are proud of their field personnel, who are always willing to help others in times of need.

"Prayers for all those in the path of the storm. Drive safe, crews," added officials.

According to AEP's local media representative Omar Lopez, "by Sunday, approximately 2,700 AEP Texas and contract personnel were checked in at the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds located in Robstown, which is serving as the AEP Texas gateway receiving center for individuals involved in the Tropical Storm Beryl response effort."

Crews were then sent further north after Beryl made landfall near Matagorda County, leaving millions without power in the Houston area.

Experts say wind may cause power lines to swing together, resulting in a fault or short circuit interrupting service.

Strong wind can blow tree limbs or entire trees into power lines, causing them to fall to the ground. Severe winds can even break power lines and utility poles, bringing down extensive portions of the infrastructure that delivers power.

If you experience a power outage, you may check the status by going to AEP Texas' website here.