Emergency assessment and response is well underway by SWEPCO crews across the service area after powerful storms brought damaging winds, hail, and severe flooding to parts of the ArkLaTex.
As of 10 a.m. Thursday, approximately 10,000 customers across northwest Louisiana are without power. At the peak, approximately 16,800 customers were without power.
Flooding creates a unique and dangerous restoration environment. Flooding can make it more difficult to safely make repairs, which may result in longer than usual power restoration times.
Assessing the damage
Damage assessors have reported downed power lines and fallen trees throughout the area. Crews are working as safely and quickly as possible to restore service to the communities. SWEPCO will know more about estimated restoration times once damage assessment is complete.
Post storm safety tips
- Stay as far away as possible from downed wires and anything they may be touching. Call 911 to report any hazards or call SWEPCO immediately at (888) 218-3919.
- Carefully investigate before cleaning up any debris. Tree limbs, leaves and other objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires.
- Do not attempt to remove tree limbs or debris within 10 feet of a power line.
- If using a generator, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions.