A utility outage
Storm damage outside the home can leave the whole house without power even if the issue is not inside your wiring.
No Power After a Storm? Safe Checks and Who to Call
If the power goes out after a storm, start by figuring out whether the problem looks like a utility outage, a whole-house outage, a partial outage, or one affected circuit.
Quick answer
- After a storm, no power may come from the utility, a tripped breaker, a wet GFCI, storm-damaged outdoor equipment, or a partial power problem inside the home.
- If the whole neighborhood is out, check utility outage updates first.
- If only part of your home has power, lights are unusually bright or dim, or power comes back unevenly, treat it as a serious warning sign.
- If a breaker or GFCI trips once, you may be able to reset it once if everything is dry and there are no warning signs.
- Stop and get help if there is burning smell, buzzing, sparks, heat, water exposure, visible damage, repeated trips, or unstable power.
- Do not inspect service wiring, meter equipment, downed lines, wet devices, or the inside of the electrical panel.
Likely causes
A tripped breaker
A storm-related event can trip a branch breaker or protective device inside the house.
A wet or tripped GFCI
Moisture can shut down outlets in garages, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, or outdoor areas.
Partial power loss
If only part of the house is out, the issue may be a circuit problem or something more serious involving the service.
Storm-related damage or a loose connection
Wind, water, or debris can expose a weak point in outdoor equipment or service connections.
What you can safely check
1
See whether neighbors are also without power or whether the utility has posted outage updates.
2
Check whether the outage affects the whole house, one room, part of the house, or only certain circuits.
3
Check the main panel for a breaker that is tripped or not fully reset, but do not remove panel covers.
4
If everything is dry and there are no warning signs, reset a tripped breaker or GFCI once.
5
Test whether the outage is whole-house, partial, or limited to one room or one circuit.
6
Look for obvious storm damage from a safe distance without going near service wiring.
7
If you see downed lines, fire, smoke, sparking, or active electrical danger, keep away and contact emergency services or the utility.
8
If water is touching electrical equipment, do not approach or touch it.
Not comfortable troubleshooting this yourself?
If anything feels unsafe, unclear, or beyond a basic visual check, a licensed electrician can help you narrow it down safely.
Find a licensed electrician near youWarning signs to take seriously
- Only part of the home has power after a storm
- Lights are unusually bright in one area and dim in another
- Power returns in an unstable, uneven, or intermittent way
- There is buzzing, burning smell, sparks, heat, or visible damage near electrical equipment
- Outdoor equipment, receptacles, cords, or devices look wet or damaged
- A breaker or GFCI trips repeatedly after one reset
When to call an electrician
- The utility has not reported an outage and your home still has storm-related electrical symptoms.
- Only part of your home has power, lights flicker after power comes back, or the power feels unstable.
- A breaker or GFCI keeps tripping after one reset.
- There is visible damage, buzzing, heat, burning smell, sparks, or water exposure near electrical equipment.
- You are not sure whether the issue belongs to the utility or your home wiring.
Related Help
Part of the house has power after a stormHalf the house lost powerPower is out but the breaker is not trippedA breaker keeps tripping after the stormA breaker will not resetA GFCI outlet has no powerA GFCI will not resetLights flicker after power comes backLights flicker during wind or rainWhen to call a licensed electricianFind a licensed electrician near you
Need help with this issue?
Not sure whether it is the utility or your home wiring? If neighbors have power and your home still has storm-related electrical symptoms, a licensed electrician can help narrow it down safely.
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