Hurricane Francine is set to make landfall later today near Vermilion Bay as a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum winds expected to reach up to 100 mph. After its initial landfall, the storm is projected to move northward into Mississippi by Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.
As the storm approaches, safety remains the primary concern, and Entergy is finalizing restoration plans for the aftermath. Customers are urged to complete their preparations as the hurricane nears.
In terms of restoration timelines, historical data indicates that customers in the direct path of a Category 1 hurricane may experience outages for as long as seven days. For Category 2 storms, this could extend to ten days, while a Category 3 hurricane may result in outages lasting up to two weeks. Restoration efforts will commence once workers can access affected areas, which is contingent upon wind speeds dropping below 30 mph for bucket truck operations. Flooding and other access challenges could hinder restoration efforts in certain locations.
Once the storm has passed, Entergy will deploy scouts to assess damages. It could take up to three days post-storm to provide clearer timelines for power restoration. Customers should note that if they do not see crews working nearby, they may be addressing issues in a different part of the electrical system that must be resolved first.
Entergy has made substantial preparations, including the mobilization of approximately 5,300 restoration workers, with plans to increase this number to around 6,400, depending on the storm’s impact. The total restoration workforce includes around 1,800 personnel in Mississippi, 5,700 in Louisiana, and 360 in New Orleans.
In addition to ongoing reliability efforts, such as tree trimming and infrastructure improvements, Entergy has also begun a five-year resilience plan construction in Louisiana. Customers are reminded to avoid downed power lines and flooded areas, and to never enter standing water which may conceal electrical hazards.
Nuclear plants operated by Entergy are currently functioning normally, with no operational threats anticipated from the storm. However, severe weather protocols have been enacted to ensure readiness at nuclear facilities.
Customers are encouraged to prepare adequately for severe weather by creating emergency plans and disaster supply kits. Precautionary measures for homes include securing outdoor items, cleaning gutters, and ensuring proper boarding of windows.
Once the storm has passed, customers should stay vigilant and safe, watching out for hazards such as downed power lines, flooding, and using generators safely. Reporting outages can be done through Entergy’s app or other communication methods, as traditional phone lines may experience high call volumes during emergencies.
Entergy aims to restore power as promptly and safely as conditions allow, with detailed assessments and restoration strategies set to be implemented in the wake of Hurricane Francine.