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Insights > A message to our customers: What to expect with Hurricane Francine
A message to our customers: What to expect with Hurricane Francine
09/11/2024
According to the National Hurricane Center's latest forecast, Hurricane Francine will make landfall near Vermillion Bay as a Category 1 hurricane this afternoon. We anticipate this storm could have widespread impacts throughout our entire Entergy Mississippi service area and are watching to see how it may affect both our systems and our customers. We are prepared and want you to have a plan, too.
No matter what happens over the next few days, we stand storm ready. Most important is the safety of those living and working in communities where Francine will strike. Then, restoring power is the top priority and first order of business. The restoration process is done in an orderly, deliberate manner. We assemble and organize the workforce needed to restore service safely and quickly to all customers. While we already have additional resources on the way and are strategically positioning restoration workers, it’s important to remember that hurricanes can cause severe damage inland and lead to extended power outages.
Thanks to the reliability work and grid improvements we’ve completed, along with our normal year-round storm preparedness efforts, we are ready to respond. As with any storm, we know there will be challenges. Saturated grounds and high winds are expected in parts of our service area hardest hit by last year’s drought, which continues to affect vegetation, particularly off right-of-way trees that may uproot or fall and damage our electrical equipment.
Customers should prepare before severe weather threatens the area. Making sure you have a family emergency plan and a kit of basic supplies are smart ways to prepare. If you or your loved ones depend on life support or other medical equipment that requires electricity - or refrigerated medications – it is especially important to be prepared for unplanned, extended outages. While crews are dedicated to restoring power, we advise customers to have a backup system and plan in place for relocating or providing a backup power source should power outages or other emergencies occur.
You can learn how to make an emergency kit, stay informed and download the app, and get important safety tips for before and after the storm at the Entergy Storm Center. The most dangerous part of a storm is often just after it has passed. Hazards are all around us following severe weather – from downed electric lines and equipment, vegetation and other debris, personal generator risks or flooding dangers. Stay away from downed power lines and areas of debris. Energized lines may not be visible among the rubble. Report downed lines immediately by calling 800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243). Don’t walk in flooded areas or standing water. Remember that wet tree limbs can conduct electricity.
Our teams are resilient and so are our communities. I know that we will rise to any challenge that comes our way. We appreciate your patience and encourage you to watch for updates on the Entergy Storm Center, our social media channels and local media outlets.
Thank you,
Haley Fisackerly
President and CEO
Entergy Mississippi
