LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Crews are working across the state to restore power following the high winds and heavy rain that moved through Saturday and Sunday morning.
At 8:00 p.m., Entergy reported around 20,000 customers without electricity
Another 14,000 Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas and 4,200 North Little Rock Electric customers are also affected, according to reports received around 8 a.m.
Entergy says it has 400 workers working to restore power with many more linemen headed to the state. More than 150 damaged power poles had been identified by noon Sunday.
Due to the high volume of service calls, estimated times for restoration have been delayed. Entergy says restoration may take several days in some areas.
Entergy Arkansas offered the following safety tips related to power outages:
1. Live wires can be deadly. Stay away from downed power lines. Call 1 800 9OUTAGE or 1 800 968 8243 to report downed or dangling power lines, poles or other damaged equipment.
2. Do not trim trees or remove debris on or near downed power lines. Only power company crews or their contractors should remove trees or limbs touching power lines.
3. Keep away from the immediate areas where crews are working. There is always the danger of moving equipment and the possibility of construction materials or limbs or overhead wires falling to the ground.
4. If you plan on using a generator for temporary power, get a licensed electrician and disconnect from the utility electric system before hooking up to your home main electric panel.
5. Do not run a generator in a confined space without adequate ventilation.
6. Avoid using candles or other flammable devices to warm your home.
7. Try to stay off the roads. More traffic in bad weather leads to more accidents, including more injuries and fatalities as well as accidents that can damage electrical poles and other equipment, creating outages and impeding the ability of crews to access and repair damage and slowing restoration.
