Insights > Entergy Mississippi Winter Storm Update – 2/16/21 @ 5:30 p.m.

Entergy Mississippi Winter Storm Update – 2/16/21 @ 5:30 p.m.
By: Mississippi Editorial Team

02/16/2021

The winter weather continues to cause power outages for Entergy Mississippi customers across our service territory. As of 5:30 p.m., 3,341 customers are without power, mostly in the southern region. Communities with the most damage include Fernwood, Magnolia, Osyka, Tylertown, Prentiss, Magee and Raleigh.

Our crews are working to restore power where it is safe to do so, however, those efforts have been hampered by icy road conditions, vegetation, bitter cold and other challenges related to extreme cold weather outages. We expect to restore power to the majority of customers throughout the state today, though outages for some customers in these hardest-hit areas may carry over until tomorrow.

More Extreme Weather Ahead

We are also monitoring a new winter weather system that will likely affect the central and northern portions of our service area beginning tomorrow afternoon and into Thursday. Extended extreme cold temperatures are expected to bring periodic snow and ice throughout the week, which already has caused generation and transmission challenges for Entergy’s operating companies and its neighboring utilities. Forecasts indicate there is risk of significant icing, perhaps up to ½ inch in the Mississippi Delta.

We are prepared to restore power, should the new wave of winter weather cause outages. Crews will be re-deployed northward as we complete restoration work in our southern territory. Restoration may take longer, especially where there are widespread outages, due to weather conditions, accessibility challenges and additional safety measures crews must take.

Customers Can Conserve to Help Curb Demand

The long-term frigid weather has resulted in historic demand on our system and we are asking customers to help us manage through this period by conserving energy until the extreme cold weather has passed. Reduce the strain on the electric system by immediately implementing safe energy conservation efforts.

Lower the central thermostat to 68 degrees or lower if possible.
Don’t allow warm air to escape from the home.
Delay laundry, washing dishes, bathing and other non-essential uses of electricity.
Wash clothes with cold water, cook foods at the lowest possible setting and limit opening oven doors while baking.
Turn off or don’t use non-essential lights and electric appliances.

Doing your part to conserve energy will prevent unwanted, forced outages that are occurring around the country during this winter storm. It can also reduce the consumption on your electric bill. Remember that It takes more electricity to heat your home during periods of extreme cold. When using an air conditioner to cool, excess heat is taken from inside your home and moved outside. Heating your home requires a machine inside to make heat and then move it.

What to do During an Outage

If you do lose power, can help in the restoration process by turning off major appliances but leaving on a lamp or other light to indicate when power is restored. Then, gradually turn other appliances to spread out the increase in power usage over a longer time. Customers should also be mindful of the following safety tips and ways to stay up to date during an outage.

Safety

Stay away from downed power lines. You can’t tell from looking at them whether they are energized or not, so assume they are. Report them to 1-800-9OUTAGE.
Report your power outage online or call 1-800-9OUTAGE. If you report your outage by phone, trust the automated system. There is no need to speak with a customer service representative to report an outage.
If you have a portable generator, use it safely. DO NOT run it in an enclosed space. If connecting to the whole house, do so only if the connection has been installed by a licensed electrician. More information is available on Entergy Storm Center.
Stay clear of linemen as they work. Our crews continue to practice social distancing and we ask that customers do the same.

Stay in Touch

Download the Entergy app for Apple or Android operating systems at Entergy.com/app.
Register for address-specific alerts by texting REG to 36778. Customers will need an account number and ZIP code. Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage.
Follow Entergy Mississippi at Facebook.com/EntergyMS or Twitter.com/EntergyMS.
Follow updates in local news media, including radio, television and newspapers.

We appreciate your patience and your conservation efforts. For more tips and storm updates, visit entergy.com/winterweather.