Entergy Louisiana prepares for Tropical Storm Francine
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — WGNO meteorologists are currently monitoring the progression of Tropical Storm Francine in the lower Gulf of Mexico.
The development is expected to potentially make landfall Wednesday, Sept. 11 as a Category 2 hurricane.
LATEST: Tropical Storm Francine forms in the Gulf
Officials with Entergy New Orleans and Entergy Louisiana are also monitoring conditions and say that now is the time to prepare.
Entergy teams report they are prepared to work long hours after the storm passes to restore power to customers as quickly as possible.
As of Tuesday, there are 1,600 Entergy employees and contractors on the ground in Louisiana, with an additional 3,400 personnel requested, bringing the total to 5,000, which includes line workers, tree trimmers, scouts and support staff.
Due to concerns following drought in 2023, as well as other environmental concerns, 1,400 of the 5,000 will be tree trimmers, who are tasked with clearing away vegetation to allow line workers to restore power safely and effectively. This makes double the tree trimmers utilized in previous storms
They add that maintenance work is done year-round, such as trimming tree limbs from power lines, to improve the electrical system. Additionally, the company is preparing to adjust staffing and resources making more material, supplies and equipment available depending on the forecast.
Entergy’s crews are closely monitoring Francine’s track in the Gulf of Mexico. They are preparing for potential storm related power outages with crews on standby to respond as soon as the storm has passed.
Entergy is also partnering with other power companies to bring in more line crews should the need arise.
Vice President of Customer Service with Entergy New Orleans Nyka Scott said, “If the power does go out, we are ready to respond as quickly and as safely as possible. We can’t get up in bucket trucks until the winds die down to 30 mph, but as soon as they do, we’ll be out in the field restoring power.”
Customers are reminded to not let their guard down and to finalize their plans in preparation of possible power outages including the assembly of an emergency kit with the following items:
Flashlights
Batteries
Battery-powered radio
Canned food
Fresh water for days
First-aid kit
“We are urging our customers to take the potential of severe weather seriously and stay prepared,” said Vice President of Reliability for Entergy in Louisiana Steven Benyard. “Rest assured, our crews and contractors will be ready to respond if needed, working tirelessly to restore power and provide support in the aftermath of any storm.”
Forecast track shifts east: Hurricane landfall expected in Louisiana on Wednesday
Entergy crews say once the storm passes and it is safe to do so, damage assessments will begin to determine the necessary actions and repairs. From there restoration times will be estimated.
On Tuesday, Entergy New Orleans announced that it will be suspending disconnects due to non-payment through the end of the week.
Entergy New Orleans also announced that Entergy Customer Care centers in Algiers and Canal Street will close at 2 p.m. on Tuesday and reopen on Friday.
The WGNO weather team will continue to provide up-to-date information on the potential weather event.
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