Insights > 9.20.19 Update: Tropical Storm Imelda

9.20.19 Update: Tropical Storm Imelda
By: Texas Editorial Team

09/20/2019

Tropical Storm Imelda caused significant rainfall and flash flooding across our service territory. Jefferson, Orange, Hardin, Harris, Galveston, Liberty, Chambers and Montgomery counties have been affected, with some areas receiving more than 30 inches of rain in the past 48 hours. At the peak of the storm yesterday, September 19, Entergy Texas had approximately 40,000 customers without power. As of 10 a.m., Entergy has restored power to more than half of those customers, and approximately 17,000 customers remaining without power.

Entergy crews are currently working to restore power in all impacted areas. More than 700 additional workers have been brought into the region to assist with the restoration efforts, and 13 high water trucks have been mobilized to allow Entergy to access areas that are currently flooded. As crews work, flooding continues to slow our efforts to move crews and equipment across our service territory to make repairs. 

Safety is an Entergy key value and our first priority. Then, restoring power is a core value. We are restoring service where it is safe to do so. First, we restore power to critical community infrastructure and essential services such as hospitals, water treatment plants, police and fire stations, and communication systems. Then, we will concentrate our resources on restoring the largest number of customers first.

Beaumont
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Imelda are beginning to recede in Beaumont and Entergy crews have been able to restore power to approximately 1,200 customers since yesterday evening. There are currently 830 customers without power and based on our latest damage assessments, the current estimated restoration time for customers is no later than Saturday at 8:00 pm.

Cleveland
Entergy Texas has been able to restore 2,200 customers since yesterday evening in Cleveland. There are currently 3,300 customers in Cleveland and surrounding areas still experiencing power outages. Where accessible, crews are beginning the damage assessments and restoring power if it is safe to do so. The current estimated restoration time in this area based on our latest damage assessments is at the latest, Friday by 11:00 pm.

Conroe
Approximately 5,200 customers in the Conroe area had power restored through the night. There are currently 400 customers still without power. All remaining customers are expected to be restored by 12 noon today.  If you are still experiencing a power outage and have not already notified Entergy, please do so by calling 1-800-9OUTAGE (1 800 968 8243) and reporting your outage.

Dayton
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Imelda are beginning to recede in Dayton and Entergy crews have been able to restore power to approximately 1,000 customers since yesterday evening. There are currently 350 customers without power and based on our latest damage assessments, the current estimated restoration time for customers is no later than Saturday at 8:00 pm.

New Caney
Entergy Texas has been able to restore 1,800 customers since yesterday evening in New Caney. There are currently an additional 1,800 customers in New Caney and surrounding areas still experiencing power outages. Where accessible, crews are beginning the damage assessments and restoring power if it is safe to do so. The current estimated restoration time in this area based on our latest damage assessments is at the latest, Saturday by 12:00 pm.

Orange, Vidor
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Imelda are beginning to recede in Orange and Vidor and Entergy crews have been able to restore power to approximately 1,700 customers since yesterday evening. There are currently 2,500 customers without power and based on our latest damage assessments, the current estimated restoration time for customers is no later than Saturday at 8:00 pm.

Port Arthur
Flood waters from Tropical Storm Imelda are beginning to recede in Port Arthur and Entergy crews have been able to restore power to approximately 2,400 customers since yesterday evening. There are currently 3,000 customers without power and based on our latest damage assessments, the current estimated restoration time for customers is no later than Saturday at 8:00 pm.

Winnie/Bolivar
Tropical Storm Imelda caused signification flooding in this area and delays in restoration due to accessibility. Where accessible, crews are beginning the damage assessments as the first step. Additionally, in this area damage to Entergy substation equipment has caused additional delays in restoration. Entergy crews are working as quickly as safely as possible to make repairs to equipment. There are currently 7,700 customers without power in the area, with approximately 5,500 located on Bolivar Peninsula.  This area will be energized once the local substation is repaired. Based on our latest damage assessments, the current estimated restoration time for customers is Saturday at 8:00 pm.

Note:  All restoration time estimates are subject to change based on revised damage assessments

Huntsville, Navasota, Silsbee, Woodlands
These areas have received minimal impact from Tropical Storm Imelda. If you are experiencing a power outage, please report it by calling 1-800-9OUTAGE (1 800 968 8243).

 As with any weather event, please be mindful of the following safety tips:

  1. 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, poles or other damaged equipment.
  2. 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.
  3. Keep away from the immediate areas where crews are working. There is always the danger of moving equipment and the possibility of construction materials or limbs or overhead wires falling to the ground.
  4. 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 home main electric panel.
  5. Do not run a generator in a confined space without adequate ventilation.
  6. Avoid using candles or other flammable devices to warm your home.
  7. Try to stay off the roads. 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.
  8. If rising flood waters enter your property, shut off all breakers until it is safe to turn them back on.

We want to keep you informed and in control so here is the best way to get information about outages in addition to the View Outage application:

  1. Download our app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app or visit entergystormcenter.com to stay informed on our restoration progress.
  2. Sign up for text alerts. From your cell phone, text REG to 368374 or visit entergytext.com.
  3. Follow us on Twitter.com/Entergy or Facebook.com/Entergy.
  4. Follow updates in your local news media, like radio, television and newspapers.
Tags
Texas  Storm Center 
Texas Editorial Team
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