Arkansas Cooperatives Answer the Call to Support Louisiana Ahead of Tropical Storm Francine
As Tropical Storm Francine bears down on the Gulf Coast, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are stepping up to lend a helping hand to their neighbors in Louisiana. In preparation for the storm’s potential impact, a team of 55 line technicians from Arkansas has been dispatched to assist DEMCO in Central City, Louisiana, with power restoration efforts.
With the storm’s trajectory indicating a possible intensification into a hurricane before making landfall on the Louisiana coast, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are taking a proactive stance in supporting Louisiana’s energy needs. Officials have stated that additional crews and local electric cooperatives are on standby, ready to respond if more support is required.
The potential impact of Tropical Storm Francine is not limited to Louisiana. Arkansas itself is expected to receive significant rainfall and strong winds, with forecasts suggesting up to four inches of rain and wind speeds reaching 30 mph. This has prompted Arkansas farmers to accelerate their harvesting efforts ahead of the storm’s arrival.
- In the meantime, line workers from Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) of Little Rock have been sent to aid in potential restoration efforts.
- The team includes not only the line technicians but also utility vehicles and construction machinery to support the efforts.
As the storm continues to track towards the Gulf Coast, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas remain committed to supporting their neighboring states and ensuring the continued supply of power in the face of severe weather.
