Storm Center > Entergy Arkansas winter storm update – 1/12/24, 11:30 a.m.

Entergy Arkansas winter storm update – 1/12/24, 11:30 a.m.

01/12/2024

High winds have caused damage to Entergy Arkansas equipment
High winds have caused damage to Entergy Arkansas equipment

Approximately 13,000 customers remained without power after severe thunderstorms that brought strong winds, lightning, hail and possible tornadoes. The majority of customers without power are expected to be restored by tonight at 10 p.m.

Entergy Arkansas sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience of being without power and appreciates your patience as we continue to work diligently to safely restore power in your area.

Crews are working hard to assess damages and restore power as quickly and safely as possible throughout the state. Please remember to stay away from downed lines and report outages on the Entergy app or by calling 1-800-ENTERGY.

Customers can get updates on their outages by visiting our map at entergy.com/viewoutages. Estimated times of restoration will be updated as crews continue working to restore power to all customers.

Extreme cold temperatures and winter precipitation on the way. According to the National Weather Service, a widespread winter storm is expected to impact Arkansas beginning on Sunday. The forecast calls for below freezing temperatures continuing over several days, with possible winter precipitation beginning Sunday evening into Monday. Check your local weather forecast for more specific timing.

We are prepared for severe weather and have assembled our restoration resources, along with mutual assistance crews from outside the state, to ensure we have the people and resources ready to respond to outages quickly and safely should they occur, and we recommend customers prepare as well. For preparation tips and cold weather updates, visit entergy.com/cold.

Winter weather restoration process

Be sure to report any outages to Entergy as soon as possible to ensure that we are aware your power is out. If there are widespread outages, we will deploy scouts to assess damage in all affected areas. Estimated restoration times will be based on those assessments of equipment and resources needed. 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.

Because of the extreme cold, please be aware that restoration times can be delayed.  Please be aware the restoration process can be hampered by the surge of instantaneous electrical demand from appliances (heating units, water heaters, etc.) commonly known as cold load 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 or disconnect any electrical heaters or electrical appliances that can easily be turned off until power is restored, and gradually power them on.

Stay safe

Please watch for any power lines that have fallen into trees and onto the ground. Stay away from any downed power lines and report them to 1-800-ENTERGY.

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.
  • 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. 

  • Download our app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app or visit Entergy Storm Center to stay informed on our restoration progress.
  • To ensure you receive notifications from Entergy, customers are encouraged to verify their contact information in their myEntergy account.
  • Sign up for text alerts. From your cell phone, text REG 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.
  • If a storm impacts your area, you can report an outage quickly and easily through our digital options – using either our free mobile app, online at myEntergy.com, or by texting OUT to 36778.

Arkansas Editorial Team