Hurricane Francine is set to make landfall later today near Vermilion Bay as a Category 2 storm, with maximum winds reaching up to 100 mph. The center of the hurricane is expected to move northward into Mississippi by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
In anticipation of the storm, it is crucial for residents in affected areas to finalize their safety preparations. The primary focus for Entergy is ensuring the safety of all individuals in communities experiencing severe weather, followed by the restoration of power.
Entergy has mobilized a workforce of approximately 5,300 restoration workers, with plans to increase that number to around 6,400 as needed. The company aims to restore services as quickly and safely as possible. Historical data indicates that customers in the direct path of a Category 2 hurricane could face outages for up to 10 days, depending on the severity of the impact and access challenges post-storm.
Once weather conditions permit, and with sustained winds below 30 mph, the restoration teams will begin work to restore power by closing circuit breakers and rerouting electricity. However, significant flooding and accessibility issues may hinder restoration efforts in certain areas.
Following landfall, Entergy will deploy scouts to evaluate damage, and it may take up to three days to provide accurate restoration timelines. Customers in less damaged areas may see quicker restorations, while those in harder-hit regions may experience extended delays.
Safety is the utmost priority, and customers are urged to avoid downed power lines and flooded areas. Entergy recommends preparation steps such as securing outdoor items and creating emergency kits.
Entergy’s nuclear plants are operating normally, and protocols are in place to ensure readiness in the face of severe weather. As the storm approaches, continuous monitoring and preparations have been ongoing year-round.
Customers are encouraged to report outages using Entergy’s app or by calling their outage hotline. Restoration efforts will begin as soon as it is safe, and the company aims to keep customers informed throughout the process. Regular updates on storm safety and preparedness can be accessed through Entergy’s Storm Center.