Insights > Entergy Arkansas winter storm update – 1/16/24, 5:30 p.m.

Entergy Arkansas winter storm update – 1/16/24, 5:30 p.m.

By: Arkansas Editorial Team

01/16/2024

Entergy Arkansas has safely restored approximately 10,000 customer interruptions since Sunday, January 14. Temperatures will be in single digits tonight across the state but are expected to climb above freezing starting Wednesday. We understand the challenges that extreme cold temperatures pose for both you and our electrical system. Entergy Arkansas continues to work safely to keep the lights on and to keep you warm. The proactive measures we’ve taken in the areas of tree trimming and preventative maintenance on our electrical system have contributed to minimum customer interruptions during this winter weather event.

We ask that you drive safely and watch for black ice to prevent accidents that could damage electrical equipment and potentially cause power outages.

We continue to monitor the forecast and are prepared to respond when outages occur.  In the event of an outage, restoration during extreme cold can take longer due to increased demands on equipment, people, and resources. Entergy crews are actively responding to outages across our service territory as they occur and will provide estimated restoration times as we complete damage assessment. Restoring your power as quickly and safely as possible is our top priority, and we appreciate your patience.

Be sure to report any outages to Entergy via our mobile app at entergy.com/app or online at entergy.com/reportoutage. Please be aware the restoration process can be hampered by the surge of instantaneous electrical demand from appliances (heating units, water heaters, etc.) commonly known as cold load when service is restored to your location, potentially overloading protective devices on Entergy’s electrical system. To help mitigate this problem, Entergy encourages you to turn off or disconnect any electrical heaters or electrical appliances that can easily be turned off until power is restored, and gradually power them on once power has been restored to your location.

We are mindful of those facing challenges and we are here to help you keep the power on! All customer disconnections have been suspended through Monday, January 22.

Thank you for being a valued Entergy Arkansas customer. Stay warm and connected as we navigate this winter weather together.

Warming Centers Opened for Customers

(information provided to Entergy Arkansas and subject to change) 

For preparation tips and cold weather updates, visit entergy.com/cold.

For additional inclement weather tips and storm updates, visit entergy.com/stormcenter.

Winter weather restoration process

As the winter storm impacts Arkansas, we will deploy scouts to assess damage in all affected areas. It is on these assessments that we base our estimated restoration times. We will communicate these estimates with you, updating as new information becomes available. Our crews will simultaneously be restoring service where it is deemed safe to do so. We ask for your patience, and please know restoring your power safely and quickly is our top priority.

Extra weight on power lines caused by snow or ice can cause them to fall or stretch, possibly causing power interruptions. While Entergy Arkansas manages growth of trees and bushes near electrical equipment, one half-inch of ice can increase the weight of a tree limb as much as 30 times, causing even smaller limbs to bend or snap, falling onto power lines and causing an outage.

Please be aware the restoration process can be hampered by the surge of instantaneous electrical demand from appliances (heating units, water heaters, etc.) when service is restored to your location, potentially overloading protective devices on Entergy’s electrical system. To help mitigate this problem, Entergy encourages you to turn off any electrical heaters or electrical appliances that can easily be turned off until power is restored.

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

• 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 that can cause injuries and damage to electrical poles and other equipment. This can create more outages and impede the ability of crews to access and repair damage causing slower 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 REG 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.

Tags

Arkansas  Storm Center  Winter Weather 

Arkansas Editorial Team