Powerful storms that rolled through SWEPCO’s three-state territory Tuesday caused significant damage in East Texas and Central Louisiana and slowed restoration progress in Northwest Arkansas, which was struck by severe weather that produced tornadoes over the weekend.
Energy delivery system
In addition to Longview, some areas impacted in East Texas include Henderson, New London, and Mineola. Across state lines, in central Louisiana, Many, Toledo Town, Hornbeck and Hicks also experienced significant damage to the energy delivery system due to the strong winds.
Customers should remain weather aware as there are storms predicted throughout the week across SWEPCO’s entire three-state service territory.
Estimated Times of Restoration
- Approximately 95% of customers who can receive power in the Hornbeck and surrounding areas of Central Louisiana should be restored by 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30.
- Approximately 95% of customers who can receive power in the Longview and surrounding areas of East Texas should be restored by 10 p.m. Friday, May 31.
Other utilities and contractors
As of 8 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 8,000 Texas customers are without power in Texas and 1,700 in Louisiana.
SWEPCO has requested help from other utilities and contractors to aid in the restoration effort, with many already en route.