Entergy Corporation

08/20/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/20/2024 10:11

Entergy Arkansas storm update- 8/20/24, 11 a.m.

Insights > Entergy Arkansas storm update- 8/20/24, 11 a.m.

Entergy Arkansas storm update- 8/20/24, 11 a.m.

By: Arkansas Editorial Team

08/20/2024

Entergy Arkansas has successfully restored power to 93% of customers impacted by multiple storm fronts on Sunday. Crews have worked diligently to safely restore approximately 39,370 power interruptions since the peak of storm fronts moved through the state on Aug. 18. Currently there are approximately 3,042 remaining customer outages.

Entergy Arkansas crews are working to restore power to all remaining customers.

We understand how power outages impact your life and appreciate your patience as crews continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.

Currently, the estimated restoration time for the majority of customers who can safely receive power is 10 p.m. today. However, it is possible that some customers in the hardest-hit areas of Russellville and Hot Springs could see their power restored Wednesday. Estimated restoration times may change as damage assessments are completed or if there are additional weather impacts. Visit entergy.com/viewoutages for the latest restoration times for your location.

Consistent with our commitment to powering life for our customers every day, our crews are rebuilding the system with thicker, stronger poles. In some cases, concrete poles are being used to improve system infrastructure and make it more resilient.

RESTORATION TIMES

Pope County/Russellville

Damage assessments are still ongoing. Currently 1,689 customers remain without power in Russellville and surrounding areas. Approximately nine utility poles, 40 transformers, one crossarm and nine spans of wire were damaged or destroyed during the storm. A span of wire is the distance between two utility poles. Additional personnel and resources have been brought in to help with restoration. We estimate most of the customers who can receive power will be restored by 10 p.m. today.

Garland County/Hot Springs

Damage assessments are ongoing. Currently 577 customers remain without power in Hot Springs and surrounding areas. Approximately 58 utility poles, 17 transformers, 31 crossarms and 214 spans of wire were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Additional personnel and resources have been brought in to help with restoration. All customers who can receive power will be restored by 10 p.m. today.

Jefferson County/Pine Bluff

Damage assessments are ongoing. Currently 19 customers remain without power in Pine Bluff and surrounding areas. Approximately two utility poles and nine spans of wire were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Additional personnel and resources have been brought in to help with restoration efforts. We estimate all customers who can receive power will be restored by 10 p.m. today.

Desha County/McGehee

Damage assessments are ongoing. Currently 172 customers remain without power in McGehee and surrounding areas. Approximately three spans of wire were damaged or destroyed during the storm. Additional personnel and resources have been brought in to help with restoration efforts. We estimate all customers who can receive power will be restored by 10 p.m. today.

Please make sure your account information is updated by visiting myentergy.com to ensure you receive important notifications from Entergy throughout a storm event.

Our crews plan and train for storm readiness year-round, which aides us in restoring power as safely and quickly as possible.

To be ready before a storm threatens, customers are encouraged to put together a kit that includes emergency supplies and items like important personal documents and contacts, flashlights, and cell phone chargers. Additional suggestions on what to include in a kit can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/plankit.

While crews work to restore power, Entergy Arkansas urges customers to keep safety first.

Here are some tips to keep you safe while we restore your power.

  • Live wires can be deadly. Stay away from downed power lines. Call 1-800-9OUTAGE or 1-800-968-8243 to report downed or dangling power lines, damaged or downed poles or other damaged equipment.
  • Do not trim trees or remove debris on or near downed power lines. Only power company crews or their contractors should remove trees or limbs touching power lines. Again, stay away from downed power lines.
  • Keep away from the immediate areas where crews are working. There is always the danger of moving equipment and the possibility of construction materials, limbs or overhead wires falling to the ground.
  • If you plan on using a generator for temporary power, get a licensed electrician and disconnect from the utility electric system before hooking up to your main electric panel.
  • Do not run a generator in a confined space without adequate ventilation. Use them only outdoors, following all manufacturers' safety guidelines.
  • Turn off any electrical appliances that can easily be turned to the off position until power is restored.
  • Check on seniors, who can be particularly susceptible to extreme temperatures.
  • Try to stay off the roads in affected areas. More traffic in bad weather leads to more accidents, including more injuries and fatalities as well as accidents that can damage electrical poles and other equipment, creating outages and impeding the ability of crews to access and repair damage and slowing restoration.

We want to keep you informed and in control. The best way to get information about outages is via Entergy's View Outage page on our website. Additional resources for your convenience:

  • Download our app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app or visit Entergy Storm Center to stay informed on our restoration progress.
  • Sign up for text alerts. From your cell phone, text R E G to 368374, or visit entergytext.com.
  • Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter @EntergyARK.
  • Follow updates in your local news media, like radio, television, and newspapers.