Storm Center > Entergy Arkansas storm update – 5/8/24, 11 a.m.

Entergy Arkansas storm update – 5/8/24, 11 a.m.
By: Arkansas Editorial Team

05/08/2024

Severe weather moved through the state overnight and early morning of May 8 resulting in customer outages.  The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down in Hot Springs.  There was significant damage caused by lightning and high winds in Central Arkansas.

At 5:15 a.m. the number of Entergy Arkansas customer outages peaked at 21,021. Currently, crews have safely restored power to over 16,000 customers.

Estimated restoration times for customers who can safely receive power is Wednesday, May 8 at 10 p.m.  Estimated restoration times may change as damage assessments are completed or if there are additional weather impacts.

We apologize for the inconvenience. Our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.

Thank you for being a valued Entergy Arkansas customer. Stay connected as we continue to navigate this weather together.

Forecasted second severe weather event

The weather forecast calls for an enhanced risk of more severe weather during the evening hours of May 8 and through early morning May 9.

Our crews plan and train for storm readiness year-round, which aides us in restoring power as safely and quickly as possible.

Please make sure your account information is updated by visiting myentergy.com to ensure you receive important notifications from Entergy throughout a storm event. Download the free Entergy mobile app and monitor the company’s View Outage map, Storm Center and social media channels. Additional information on these tools can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/stayinformed.

To be ready before a storm threatens, customers are encouraged to put together a kit that includes emergency supplies and items like important personal documents and contacts, flashlights, and cell phone chargers. Additional suggestions on what to include in a kit can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/plankit.

Also, it is important to know how to remain safe before, during and after a storm. Customers are encouraged to monitor news reports and be aware of any evacuation directions from local authorities. If a storm does impact the area, please remember to use generators safely and avoid downed power lines, as well as utility crews and their worksites. Additional safety tips can be found at entergynewsroom.com/storm-center/safety.

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.

  • 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, including more injuries and fatalities as well as accidents that can damage electrical poles and other equipment, creating outages and impeding the ability of crews to access and repair damage and slowing 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 @EntergyARK on Twitter.
  • Follow updates in your local news media, like radio, television, and newspapers.
Tags
Arkansas  Storm Center  Restoration  Storm Damage  Storm Planning  Storm Preparation  Storm Preparedness 
Arkansas Editorial Team
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