Insights > Entergy Mississippi Storm Update – 8/29/21 @ 2:30 p.m.

Entergy Mississippi Storm Update – 8/29/21 @ 2:30 p.m.

08/29/2021

As Hurricane Ida pushes into our service area, we are prepared for the significant threat of high winds and flash flooding. A prolonged period of high winds and heavy rain increases the potential for extended power outages. We expect the restoration effort to take several days and up to a week or more in our hardest hit areas.

Entergy crew members are ready to respond as soon as it is safe to do so. We cannot operate bucket trucks with winds at 30mph or greater.  Those wind speeds are expected along and south of the I-20 corridor. 

We are working to ensure we have the people and resources to respond to outages safely. We have requested an additional 500 Linemen, 250 Vegetation workers, as well as additional damage assessment and support for the workforce.  We expect to start seeing power outages Sunday afternoon as the outer bands reach into southern Mississippi.  We expect the storm to take 24 to 36 hours to clear our territory. 

We urge customers to continue to monitor local weather and have an emergency response plan in place. For preparation tips and updates visit www.entergy.com/stormcenter.

Along with standard storm preparations, Entergy employees are navigating the COVID-19 pandemic by taking additional steps. These include traveling separately when possible, adjusting crew staging locations and increasing the use of drones. Due to the additional measures crews must take, restoration may take longer, especially where there are widespread outages. Additionally, crews will continue to practice social distancing and we ask that customers do the same. For their safety and yours, please stay away from work zones. If you need to report a problem with your service or get bill payment help, we’re just a phone call away: 1-800-ENTERGY. 

Customer Safety

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 home main electric panel. 
  • Do not run a generator in a confined space without adequate ventilation.
  • Avoid using candles or other flammable devices to warm your home. 
  • 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.

Stay Informed

We want to keep you informed and in control so here is the best way to get information about outages in addition to the View Outage application:

  • Download our app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app or visit entergystormcenter.com to stay informed on our restoration progress. Android users who have difficulty accessing the app on their smartphones can get information from the mobile version of our site at entergy.com.
  • Sign up for outage text alerts. From your cell phone, text R E G to 36778, or visit entergytext.com.
  • Follow us on Twitter.com/EntergyMS and Facebook.com/EntergyMS.
  • Follow updates in your local news media, like radio, television and newspapers.