Entergy Arkansas storm update – 3/31/23, 8 p.m.

03/31/2023

A line of severe thunderstorms has impacted the state, primarily in central and northeast Arkansas, with confirmed tornadoes, heavy rain, lightning, strong winds and fallen trees. As of 6 p.m. approximately 56,000 customers were without power. Entergy Arkansas is working to assess the damage in all affected areas. Estimated restoration times will be extended in the most heavily damaged areas. As soon as crews determine the damage scope and repairs needed, we will provide updated estimated restoration times.

Additional workers have been requested to assist Entergy Arkansas crews with damage assessment, vegetation and debris removal, and power restoration. Specialized equipment such as backyard machines, excavators, and bulldozers are also being brought in to assist with storm response in areas where terrain is difficult to reach. Entergy Arkansas has requested support from the Arkansas State Police and National Guard in central Arkansas to assist with traffic control and to facilitate access to our damaged equipment in heavy hit areas.

Our thoughts and prayers are with our impacted customers and communities. While crews work to restore power, Entergy Arkansas urges customers to keep safety first.

Here are some tips to keep you safe while we restore your power:

If lines are dangling or have fallen, stay away from them. Don’t touch a downed line, because it may be energized. Call Entergy immediately at 1-800-ENTERGY.
Be careful when surveying damage, as wires can be hidden by fallen trees and tree branches.
Never attempt to plug in or use an electrical appliance or device while standing in water or on a damp surface.
Restoration work can be dangerous. Stay a safe distance away from active work zones and restoration workers on the job. Entergy’s priority is the safety of the public and our emergency workers.
Be safe! If water was in your home, you should have your electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrician before Entergy restores your power.
Watch children closely. Make sure they stay away from all electrical devices and wall outlets when water is present.
Electric motors that get wet should be thoroughly checked by an electrician or certified repair shop before being reconnected to a power source.
When using personal generators, qualified electricians should hook them up. Also, main breakers should be opened to avoid feeding power back into Entergy’s lines and possibly injuring linemen.
Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed while you are without power. Food should stay good in a full freezer for about two days and for about six hours in your refrigerator.
Dry ice will help preserve the food in your refrigerator and freezer. Ten pounds of dry ice can keep food frozen for up to four days.
Once power is restored, check frozen food immediately. If the food is still firm in the center and contains ice crystals, it can be safely refrozen. If it has thawed, but is still cold to the touch, you should cook it before re-freezing it. Foods that have reached room temperature should be discarded.
When widespread power outages occur, there is no way to have enough phone lines or customer service agents to handle all the calls. The fastest way to report lights-out is to use the automated system by calling 1‑800‑9OUTAGE.
Sign up for text alerts by texting REG to 36778 and have your account number and ZIP code handy. The registration pattern is as follows including spaces: REG (account number) (ZIP code). Once registered, text OUT to 36778 to report an outage. You can also report an outage online as a guest. This will make utility workers aware that there are smaller repairs remaining that may need attention.

Thank you for your patience, as Entergy crews are working as quickly as possible to safely restore power to all customers.