Storm Center > Entergy Texas storm update – 5/3/24, 11:30 a.m.
Entergy Texas storm update – 5/3/24, 11:30 a.m.
05/03/2024
Additional resources requested to assist with restoration after back-to-back severe thunderstorms cause widespread outages
Severe thunderstorms, hail, lightning and strong winds passed through Southeast Texas Thursday causing widespread outages across the Entergy Texas service area. At peak, approximately 37,600 customers were without power. Restoration teams diligently worked throughout the day to restore power to more than 88% of customers impacted by Thursday’s severe weather before another round of storms rolled through the region Friday morning. As of 11:30 a.m. Friday, approximately 13,100 customers are without power.
Damage assessments are still in progress, but initial reports show the back-to-back storms caused significant flooding and damage to Entergy Texas substations, transmission lines, and distribution poles. Additional resources like high water vehicles and airboats are being used to safely restore power, and Entergy Texas requested additional crews from other states to help expedite restoration efforts. The expanded restoration team will use every resource possible and work around the clock until all customers have power.
It's important to note that restoration times are estimates and these times may change based on damage assessments and weather. Flooding in some communities may cause access issues, and outage numbers may increase due to continued storms and high winds passing through the service area.
As with any weather event, please be mindful of the following safety tips:
- Stay away from downed power lines and areas of debris. Energized power lines may not be visible among the rubble. Report downed lines immediately to Entergy at 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243), and call your local police station or fire department.
- Return home only when authorities advise and drive only on roadways and bridges that have been declared passable.
- If a power line falls on your vehicle while driving, continue to drive away from the line.
- Don’t walk in flooded areas or standing water. Remember that wet tree limbs can conduct electricity.
- Keep your distance from working crews. Work sites can have any number of hidden dangers for the public, and distracting crews can cause accidents to happen.
Keeping customers informed before, during and after a storm is important to Entergy Texas. Here are some of the platforms we use to provide updates:
- Download the Entergy App at entergyapp.com. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
- Entergy’s View Outages website includes maps that show where outages are located and gives information about restoration progress.
- Register for outage text alerts through myEntergy. Customers should update their notification preferences to participate in text alerts. Customers also can sign up for text messages about storm and restoration efforts by texting REG to 36778.
- The Entergy Storm Center website has storm safety, preparation and restoration information that is updated throughout the day.
- Operation: Storm Ready Guide is a free downloadable guide that helps customers plan and prepare for weather emergencies.
- Social media plays an important role in keeping customers informed. Follow Entergy Texas on Twitter at @EntergyTX and Facebook.com/EntergyTX.
Visit Entergy’s View Outage map for the most up-to-date information and estimated restoration times.