As of 6 p.m., there were approximately 86,000 customer outages across the Entergy Louisiana service territory.
Where it is safe to do so, crews have begun restoring power to customers who lost service but continued icy road conditions may delay teams from safely traveling to restore power. With temperatures dropping below freezing overnight, there is a threat of refreezing on untreated surfaces, which could hamper traveling until roads thaw. We continue to monitor the forecast and are prepared to respond where it is safe to do so.
As of 2 p.m., we have approximately 3,200 company employees, contractors and mutual aid resources in Louisiana, with more anticipated to arrive.
Estimated restoration times will be available on Monday, January 26.
Ice storms cause delays because the damage doesn’t happen all at once. Unlike wind events or hurricanes, ice storms often unfold over many hours or even days, leading to outages that occur in waves.
As freezing rain falls, ice steadily accumulates on power lines, trees and poles, adding layer upon layer of weight. Equipment may hold initially, then fail hours or days later as stress increases. Even small amounts of ice can add hundreds of pounds, causing lines to sag, tree limbs to snap, or poles to be pulled down well after precipitation ends. Trees often fail gradually, with ice-laden branches cracking or falling later as temperatures fluctuate, sometimes bringing down lines after crews have already restored nearby power. Repeated freezing, slight melting and refreezing further strain equipment, weakening components and triggering new outages over time.
Restoring power during winter storms is different from other weather events and requires a careful, step-by-step approach to protect both customers, workers and the electric grid.
Before power can be restored, damage to infrastructure must be assessed. Damage assessment and restoration work has been slowed by downed vegetation blocking roadways and icy road conditions. Once it is safe to do so, crews begin evaluating damage to power plants, transmission lines, substations and local distribution equipment.
Cold load pickup is the phenomenon that takes place when a distribution circuit is re-energized following an extended outage of that circuit.
It is referred to as cold load pickup because the power supply has been unavailable for a period of time, so the load has reached a “cold” state before being re-energized.
Customer safety and community resources
Customers should continue to prioritize safety while outages persist.
- Warming centers: Customers in need of shelter and warmth should consider local warming centers or shelters if it is safe to travel. To find a listing of available warming centers, visit GOHSEP’s Louisiana Warming Centers: https://gohsep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/9d47b24a528f43cf84633a2c04270706
- Road conditions: Please be aware that roads may be hazardous or closed during restoration efforts. Road conditions and closure information can be found here from Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development: https://www.511la.org/
- : Never use generators indoors or in and never connect a generator directly to home wiring without proper transfer equipment.
- Heating safety: Never use ovens, grills or outdoor heating devices to heat your home.
- Downed power lines: Always assume downed lines are energized and dangerous — stay away and report them immediately by calling 1-800-9OUTAGE (1-800-968-8243) or your local police/fire department.
Stay connected
Customers are encouraged to stay informed through Entergy’s Storm Center for real-time outage updates, safety information and restoration progress: www.entergy.com/stormcenter
Download the Entergy app. Customers can use the app to report outages or check on the status of power at their home or business.
Check Entergy’s View Outages map. Maps show where outages are located and give information about restoration progress. Outages can be reported using the Entergy mobile app, online at myEntergy.com, or by texting OUT to 36778.
Storm-related updates are also shared on social media.
