Outlets Dead After a Storm? Here's What to Do

 When a major storm hits, it can leave behind more than just fallen branches and puddles. If you've discovered that some or all of your outlets have stopped working after a storm, you're not alone. Power problems due to severe weather are common and sometimes serious. Knowing what to check for and when to call a professional can help you restore power safely and avoid further damage.

Start with a visual inspection

The first step is to take a close look at your home. Are there just a few faulty outlets left, or is an entire room affected? Are there appliances that won't turn on? If only one area is without power, the problem may be limited to a specific circuit. However, if your entire home is without power or you see flickering lights and non-working outlets, there may be more extensive electrical damage from the storm.

Check your breaker panel

Next, head to your breaker panel. During a storm, a power surge or lightning strike can trip the breaker. Look for any breakers that are in the center or "off" position. Reset any that appear to have tripped by turning them completely off and then back on. Be careful: if the breaker trips again immediately, you may have a short circuit or overload that requires the attention of an electrician.

Inspect GFCI Outlets

Many modern homes have ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the kitchen, bathroom, garage, and other wet areas. These outlets are designed to trip if there is irregular power flow, especially during a storm. If one of them trips, it can also disable other outlets further down the circuit. Look for a small reset button in the center of the outlet and press it. If the outlet does not reset, or trips again immediately, it could indicate a more serious problem.

Look for signs of water or smoke damage

If your home has been directly affected by flooding or heavy rain, check for water leaks near outlets, especially on exterior walls and lower levels. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and any wet or damp outlet should not be used until inspected by a professional. Also, if you notice signs of burning, melting, or the smell of smoke around an outlet, do not attempt to use it; turn off the circuit and call an electrician immediately.

When to Call an Electrician

If you’ve tried resetting your breakers and GFCIs but your outlets still aren’t working, it’s time to call a qualified electrician. Storm damage may not always be visible—it can affect wiring inside your walls or the main electrical panel. A professional can run diagnostic tests, find hidden faults, and make repairs safely.

Call Emergency Electrician in Bolton. We are 24 hours available.