BEAUMONT, Texas — One man remembers the 1997 ice storm that happened 24 years ago. The storm led to him working 15-hour days, helping restore power to tens of thousands of people.
With the possibility of history repeating itself, 12News checked in with Entergy to discuss preparations ahead of icy winter weather.
One associate is a former employee of Entergy who is currently experiencing flashbacks from the 1997 winter storm. The other is preparing for what’s to come this weekend.
“So, this whole thing this weekend and what may be coming here, brings back a lot of memories,” Mike Rodgers said
Memories of power lines covered in ice, and roads blocked by falling trees. Rodgers knows the scene all too well.
“I worked for Entergy for 30 years, and I had an office job. I have many vivid memories of what happened with the ice storm in ‘97,” Rodgers said.
Rogers says the sights and sounds from that blistering night are etched into his memory.
“You could hear limbs cracking and falling off trees and just the amount of devastation that I recall very well,” Rodgers said.
At the height of it all, Southeast Texans were without power for about a week.
“I learned just how angry and concerned people were. Whether if it was how long are they going to go without power and what they were going to do to save pets and plants,” Rodgers said.
As we anticipate similar conditions in the coming days, Entergy crews say they're on standby.
“We're continuing to monitor the weather. that's really important for us because I think as you kind of get closer to, you know, the weather that we can really determine -- you know what kind of assistance we need if any,” said Allison Payne with Entergy.
Assistance and resources that Rodgers say the company didn't have in 1997.
“We had to move those trees off the lines get them out of the way and then do the restoration work, and that slowed the process a lot,” Rodgers said.
What a difference 24 years can make.
“We have the ability to call on additional crews as needed as we continue to get closer to a significant weather event,” Payne said.
So, as we brace for winter weather, Rodgers is asking folks to keep one thing in mind.
"Please be patient. I know people at Entergy, they're great people. They're your neighbors. Just be patient and pray that it's not that bad,” Rodgers said.
As we move into this winter storm, Entergy will keep you updated on their website and through their text notification system with the latest information.
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