Entergy Hurricane Francine update – 9/11/24, 9:30 a.m.

Insights > Entergy Hurricane Francine update – 9/11/24, 9:30 a.m.

09/11/2024

Hurricane Francine’s landfall is hours away. The storm is expected to make landfall later today near Vermilion Bay as a Category 2 hurricane. After landfall, the center is expected to move northward into Mississippi Wednesday night and early Thursday morning.

It’s time to focus on staying safe as we finalize our plans to restore service in the storm’s aftermath. We encourage you to finalize your preparations as Hurricane Francine approaches.

Francine is forecasted to make landfall as a hurricane with maximum winds up to 100 mph. Most important is the safety of those living and working in communities hit by big storms or severe weather. 

Safety always comes first. Then, restoring power is the top priority and first order of business.

We assemble and organize the workforce needed to restore service safely and quickly to all customers. 

Based on historical restoration times, customers in the direct path of a Category 1 hurricane can experience outages for up to seven days, up to 10 days for a Category 2 and up to two weeks for a Category 3.

Once our workers can access the affected areas, we can begin restoring service to customers by closing circuit breakers, rerouting power and other means. But we must wait until sustained winds are less than 30 mph to use our bucket trucks. Significant flooding and other accessibility challenges due to the storm will affect our ability to reach some areas of our territory and could delay restoration in those communities.

Following a storm, we deploy scouts to assess damage. It may take up to three days before we know how long until power is restored. When restoration starts, keep in mind that if you don’t see us working near you, we may be working on another part of the electrical system that you can’t see but must be repaired to get power to you.

We are prepared.

• We have a proven plan of continuous preparation, planning and training. As severe weather threatens, we monitor, mobilize and act. We stand storm ready. 
• In addition to our normal workforce, we have acquired approximately 5,300 restoration workers ready to restore service for customers whose power may be affected by Francine. As resources continue to be requested, we expect to acquire up to approximately 6,400 additional resources based on Francine’s current forecast.
  • Total restoration field workforce includes company employees, contractors and mutual aid resources numbering approximately 1,800 in Mississippi, 5,700 in Louisiana, and 360 in New Orleans.
• While we conduct year-round reliability work to maintain and improve the electric system—including trimming trees and limbs away from power lines and other critical equipment—there is ongoing concern about the impact of last year’s drought and other environmental factors on vegetation across our service area. This is being addressed where possible in the companies’ preparations.
• Note, while our resilience efforts are already underway in some parts of our service area, construction began in Louisiana this July on Phase I of the approved resilience plan and will last approximately five years.
• We urge customers to remain safe and avoid downed power lines and flooded areas. Do not walk in standing water or venture into areas of debris since energized and dangerous power lines may not be visible.
• We will keep our workers safe during a storm response. 
  • Keeping our workers safe from worsening weather conditions may limit our ability to restore service as quickly as we’d all like. 
  • We are committed to keeping our employees safe and sheltered during dangerous periods caused by high winds, flooding and other severe storm conditions. 
• Entergy’s utility nuclear plants continue to function normally with no threats to operations. Although the storm is not anticipated to impact our nuclear stations, we’ve entered severe weather procedures that ensure our readiness at Waterford 3 and River Bend Station in Louisiana, and Grand Gulf Nuclear Station in Mississippi. Those procedures include walk-downs, securing of equipment and contingency staffing plans.

Hurricanes cause extensive damage, leading to extended outages for some customers.

Estimates before landfall:

• Before a hurricane makes landfall, we estimate restoration timelines based on the category, intensity, forward speed, rainfall, size and track of the storm.
• These are only estimates.​ After a storm passes, we conduct damage assessments to be able to provide more specific restoration times.
• While the majority of customers may be restored quicker, some of the hardest hit areas and/or restoration work that brings additional complexities may take longer, for example, access difficulty that requires special equipment, working in marsh land or repairing lines over bodies of water.
• Customers could experience outages up to the timeframe estimated below, based on the storm’s path and impact:​
  • Category 1 – On average 70% of customers are restored in two to three days, however some areas could take up to seven days​ if in an area hit the hardest. All storms are unique and often bring additional complexities in the restoration process that could extend restoration times, such as access difficulty that requires special equipment, working in marshland or repairing lines over bodies of water.
  • Category 2 – On average 70% of customers are restored in four to seven days, however some areas could take up to 10 days​ if in an area hit the hardest. All storms are unique and often bring additional complexities in the restoration process that could extend restoration times, such as access difficulty that requires special equipment, working in marshland or repairing lines over bodies of water.
  • Category 3 – On average 70% of customers are restored in six to nine days, however some areas could take up to two weeks if in an area hit the hardest. All storms are unique and often bring additional complexities in the restoration process that could extend restoration times, such as access difficulty that requires special equipment, working in marsh land or repairing lines over bodies of water.

Estimates after landfall​:

• Each storm brings unique challenges, and we strive to share an accurate estimated restoration time to customers within 48-72 hours following a major storm.​
• As damage assessments are completed, we can provide better estimates to customers.​
• Power is restored faster in areas with less damage, while restoration times in the hardest hit areas depend on the extent of damage to Entergy’s electrical facilities. ​

We are storm ready. 

• When a weather threat is confirmed, we use weather forecasts and computer models based on knowledge from past storms to predict an estimated duration and number of outages that could occur. 
• We follow a very detailed, rehearsed plan that has worked well for us during storm recovery.  
• Every storm is unique, so while plans are rehearsed and in place, we also adapt to ever-changing conditions brought by Mother Nature. 
• As a storm approaches, we ramp up support. 
  • Entergy employees across the company have a storm role. They provide the support needed to keep the restoration moving.

Ready for anything. 

• We prepare for the worst of what Mother Nature might bring, because our customers live in areas prone to some of the most severe weather in the country. 
• Monitoring weather threats is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year job. 
• Storm preparations are performed 365 days/year – from inspections and vegetation management to training and industry collaboration. 
• Transmission and distribution lines and facilities, along with our power plants, are inspected in preparation for extreme weather conditions. This is also part of our regular maintenance routine – which occurs before, during and after hurricane season.
  • We inspect utility poles annually and replace damaged or broken poles when necessary. 
  • We work proactive maintenance plans throughout the year, replacing outdated equipment with more reliable and modern infrastructure.  
  • Trees and other vegetation are a leading cause of power outages. That’s why we annually clear right-of-way areas to minimize the impact from fallen trees or branches. We also perform pre-storm patrols of circuits to mitigate any imminent threats within the right of way. 

Customers should prepare before weather threatens their area.  

• Make your last-minute preparations. If you shelter in place, there is a little more time for you to finalize preparations:
• Make a plan, make a kit. Be prepared before weather threatens our area. 
  • Experts agree that having a family emergency plan and a kit of the basic supplies needed in an emergency is the best way to be prepared for severe weather. 
  • A kit of basic emergency supplies and a first aid kit are easy to assemble and are smart ways to prepare for severe weather.  
  • Remember to regularly check the expiration dates on supplies and replace expired items. 
• Prepare your home. Simple preparations can help protect your property from storms and their aftermath. 
  • Cover your windows with plywood or permanent hurricane shutters to protect against high winds and flying debris. 
  • Trim trees and shrubs near your house to help make them more wind resistant and lessen the likelihood of them damaging your house. 
  • Clean out gutters and drainpipes, removing any debris. 
  • Bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, garbage cans and anything else that high winds can blow away.
• As a storm approaches, follow instructions from emergency management officials regarding evacuations or other actions required. 
  • Before leaving, prepare your property by turning off the electricity at the main fuse or breaker and the water at the main valve. Also, check for and secure objects that could cause damage if blown by high winds. 
  • If you evacuate, designate one or more out-of-town contacts whom you may be able to reach more easily during or after the storm.  
  • If no evacuation is called and you shelter in place, make sure you have basic emergency and first aid supplies. 
  • Update contact information at myEntergy.com to ensure you receive important restoration information. 

Customers should stay aware and stay safe. 

• The most dangerous part of a storm is often just after it has passed. Hazards are all around us following severe weather – from downed electric lines and equipment, vegetation and other debris, personal generator risks or flooding dangers.  
  • Stay away from downed power lines and areas of debris. Energized lines may not be visible among the rubble. Report downed lines immediately by calling 800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243) and call your local police station or fire department. 
  • Personal generators are very useful after a disaster, but can also be hazardous. The primary hazards to avoid when using a generator are carbon monoxide poisoning from the toxic engine exhaust, electric shock or electrocution and fire. 
    • Customers choosing to use portable electric generators should do so in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Customers must never connect a generator directly to a building’s wiring without a licensed electrician disconnecting the house wiring from Entergy’s service. Otherwise, it can create a safety hazard for the customer or our linemen working to restore power. And it may damage the generator or the house wiring. 
  • Stay alert for natural gas leaks. If you smell natural gas, or if you hear a blowing or hissing noise, open a window and leave the area immediately. Do not operate electrical switches. If possible, turn the outside main gas valve off and call your natural gas provider away from the potential leak. Entergy gas customers should call 1-800-ENTERGY (800-368-3749). 
  • Water and electricity can be a fatal combination. Don’t walk in flooded areas or standing water. Remember that wet tree limbs can conduct electricity. 
  • Return home only when authorities advise and you know it’s safe. Drive only on roadways and bridges that are passable, and if a power line falls on your vehicle while driving, continue to drive away from the line. Once home, don’t step in water to get to the fuse box or circuit breaker.
• Customers can learn more about storm safety on the company’s Storm Center, for example:
• We have additional information for customers regarding:

 Customers should report their outages.

• As you make your plans, we will keep you informed throughout about our response.  
• It is very important for customers to update their contact information with us to receive urgent messages.  
• We send storm and restoration updates by text or phone call to customers who are signed up to receive our notifications. 
• We encourage all customers to check their Entergy mobile app before landfall to ensure you have the latest version or download our free app for your smartphone at entergy.com/app/.
• Customers may download our app for iPhone or Android and use it to report an outage or check if power is restored. To download the free app, access your app store or visit: entergy.com/app/.
• You can also sign up to receive our notifications and enable two-way texting. Once registered (instructions above), text OUT to 36778 to report an outage.
• Customers can report an outage on our website, by visiting myEntergy.com. You can first log into your online account or submit as a guest.
• Customers may experience delays when calling our telephone centers when severe weather strikes. We encourage them to use the other quick and easy options available to report an outage, but they may call us at 1-800-9OUTAGE (800-968-8243).

We restore power as quickly as it is safe to do so.

• Every storm is unique, but our history with storm restoration is a guide to predicting the amount of damage and restoration time following a hurricane.
• Before a hurricane makes landfall, we make estimates on restoration timelines based on the category, intensity, size and track of the storm.
• As we know, major hurricanes can cause extended outage restoration times. While the majority of customers may be restored quicker, some of the hardest hit areas could take longer dependent on the extent of damage to Entergy’s electrical facilities.

• We strive to give an estimate of how long it will take to restore most of our customers 48-72 hours after landfall.
• We can provide better estimates as damage assessments are completed.
• Power is restored faster in areas with less damage.
• Restoration times in the hardest hit areas depend on the extent of damage to Entergy’s electrical facilities.
• Significant flooding and other accessibility challenges due to the storm will affect our ability to reach some areas of our territory and could delay restoration in those communities.
• We begin restoring power to customers as safely and quickly as possible after the storm passes, and the restoration process is done in an orderly, deliberate manner. This starts with assessing the damage and then repair power plants, transmission lines, substations and then the poles and wires in your neighborhood.

We are an industry leader.

• We are a recognized leader in storm response.
  • It takes an army to restore a village. That is why Entergy partners with other utilities in mutual assistance agreements, in preparation of restoring widespread outages that occur after severe weather.
  • We rely on our continuous cycle of planning, preparation, training and evaluation. Annual readiness drills and training, such as computer-based and event tabletops are conducted to promote and test awareness.