Insights > Entergy Arkansas Winter Storm Final Update – 2/11/21

Entergy Arkansas Winter Storm Final Update – 2/11/21
By: Arkansas Editorial Team

02/11/2021

The sleet and freezing rain that interrupted service to nearly 5,000 Entergy Arkansas customers over the last 24 hours has passed through the state. The central and eastern part of the state experienced the most significant damage to the electrical system due to ice accumulations. We dispatched nearly 900 additional restoration resources, including mutual assistance crews from surrounding states. Crews are working to restore power to approximately 1,000 customer that remain without electricity. Our team is continuing to practice social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We expect all customers who can safely receive power to be restored by 10 p.m. tonight with a potential for a few isolated outages to carry into tomorrow. For tips and storm updates, visit entergy.com/winterweather.

FORECASTED SECOND WINTER WEATHER EVENT AND STORM RESTORATION PROCESS

Entergy Arkansas is closely monitoring forecasts of a second winter storm expected to bring sub-freezing temperatures, freezing rain, snow, and the potential for ice accumulations starting Sunday evening and overnight into Monday. If there are widespread outages, 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.

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, 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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. Restoration crews can work safer and faster if they don’t have to work around traffic.

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.
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Arkansas  Storm Center 
Arkansas Editorial Team
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