Tropical Storm Francine: Arkansas Sends Line Workers to Louisiana
As Tropical Storm Francine takes aim at the Louisiana coast, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas have dispatched 55 lineworkers and utility vehicles, along with construction equipment, to help DEMCO of Central City, Louisiana, with potential power restoration efforts. The lineworkers are from Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI) of Little Rock, and additional crews from AECI and the state’s 17 local electric cooperatives are on standby to assist if more crews are needed.
The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas consist of 17 electric distribution cooperatives that provide electricity to approximately 600,000 members in Arkansas and surrounding states. Their timely response to this crisis underscores the importance of regional cooperation in times of emergency.
Preparations in Louisiana
Meanwhile in Louisiana, Entergy issued advisories to its 1.3 million customers, urging them to prepare for power outages as Francine brings high winds and heavy rains. The utility will move its own trucks and line repair technicians to staging posts along the expected path of the storm and has scheduled contractors from other utilities to assist with repairs.
In southwest Louisiana, the Southwest Louisiana Electric Membership Corporation and the Lafayette Utilities System are also gearing up for Francine’s impact, with Entergy Louisiana preparing to spend over billion to harden its infrastructure against future storms.
Storm Surge and Evacuations
As Francine strengthens in the Gulf of Mexico, evacuation orders have been issued for several coastal communities, including Holly Beach and Grand Isle. The storm surge could reach up to 10 feet in some areas, and forecasters warn of life-threatening inundation and damaging winds extending far inland. Residents are advised to stock up on supplies and take precautions immediately, as the storm is expected to make landfall as a Category 2 hurricane by Wednesday afternoon.
Regional Cooperation
This cooperative effort highlights the significance of regional support during natural disasters. As the people of Louisiana prepare for the impact of Tropical Storm Francine, the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas stand ready to lend a helping hand.